The Novice Killer Eagles ringette team destroyed most of their opponents in a tournament last weekend- even though the team was playing in a higher division than it does in regular league play.
"I think we did fantastic," said Steve Stanley. "They played like champions. They all played like they were playing for years."
The team was the underdog in the Burnaby Icebreaker tournament. The B division team was bumped into the A division, placing them in the same round as the best team in the Lower Mainland Ringette League.
"We went three wins and one loss," Stanley said. "The loss was the final game."
"It was definitely a tough tournament. The kids were intimidated at first. The proved they deserved to be there."
The Killer Eagles defeated Delta 9-8.
"The highlight of that game was our goalie, Brenden Bantayen," Stanley said. "It was his third time in net and he stopped 36 shots.
"He was definitely one of the stars of the tournament."
In the last seconds of the game, Delta kept the ring in the Eagles' end and kept shooting at the net. But the Eagles won by a one-goal margin.
"The second game was a bit of a blowout," Stanley said. The Killer Eagles won the match against North West Vancouver 8-1.
"The kids' confidence was up," Stanley said. "A lot of the rookies had an opportunity to shine during that game."
First-year player Ryan Fianza scored his first goal, and Nicole Pederson played a strong game for her team.
"She basically helped control the ring in front of the net."
Game three was an early morning start for Squamish - the team had been driving into Burnaby for the games. And the team faced some trouble in their roster.
"We had one player that was sick," Stanley said.
Shelby Thrower had been playing well in the first two games, but was unable to play in the third game and another player couldn't make the match.
"We were short two players and they were able to pull up their socks again and come through for the win," Stanley said.
Jamie Lee was able to step up and fill some of the void.
"She was moved up to centre position and she got two goals and came through when we needed her the most."
The Killer Eagles beat Burnaby 9-4.
The last game of the tournament was a struggle for the Killer Eagles. They faced the best team in the league, Fraser Valley.
"The kids were really intimidated to go in against the number-one team in the league," Stanley said. "The first period they managed to keep it tied 3-all.
"Our players were just plain tired, exhausted from keeping up with an A division team."
Danae Richer, on defence, put in a solid performance nonetheless.
"She basically did everything she possible could to keep the ring out of our end."
Shayla Stanley also filled in any holes on the team, changing positions when it was necessary.
"It's great having a player who can play offense and defense," Stanley said.
The tournament was a great opportunity for the Killer Eagles, who have two wins and no losses in regular league play.
"It was nice having back to back games. We're able to see where we need to improve to build the team."
