Huntsville was awash with hockey spirit last weekend when 60 girls’ teams from across Ontario arrived for some competitive fun at the 41st Annual Huntsville Girls Hockey Tournament. Seven of the eight Huntsville Girls Hockey Association (HGHA) teams, from Novice to Senior C, participated in the games which were held in Huntsville, Baysville and Burk’s Falls.
Every team played at least three round robin games. It was a weekend of incredible hockey with first goals scored by some players and lots of effort and heart by all.
By the end of two full days of hockey on Friday and Saturday, three Huntsville teams — the minor league Novice Sting and Atom Sting Yellow, along with the Senior C team — had made it to the final rounds. This is a huge accomplishment for the young league as they have never had a minor team who has made it as far as the finals. Congratulations on making history! (Read more about the league on Doppler here.)
First up on Sunday, January 14, the undefeated Atom Sting Yellow team made their way to the semi-finals against Leaside Wildcats White. The stands were filled with fans hopeful for the win to see the Atoms play for the Gold. Their wish was granted by a hard-playing team who took an early lead and maintained it for the duration for a berth in the finals.
Then the also-undefeated Novice Sting met the Caledon Coyotes Style Auto at noon for the championship game. The stands were full of parents, friends and fans cheering on the young players — it was the place to be in Huntsville. The Coyotes were stronger and took the win but the Sting wore their silver medals with pride. We can’t wait to see these girls grow with their love for hockey and their determination to learn new skills on the ice.
(Novice Sting team roster: 1 Waverly Earl, 2 Tessa Easy, 5 Noella Sollman, 6 Alexis Waters, 7 Lilly Corbett, 8 Lauren Torrance, 10 Abigale Willms, 11 Miah Tilstra, 12 Peyton Colenutt, 15 Lachlan Calligan, 17 Madeleine Kay, Coach Erin Torrance, Assistant Coach Stephen Willms, Trainer Andrew Torrance, Manager Renee Waters, and Staff Mike Waters.)
Novice Sting Lilly Corbett #7 takes a shot
Goaltending helped the Novice Sting get to the final game undefeated
Silver for the Novice Sting!
In the early afternoon, the Senior C Sting team played for Gold against the Barrie Sharks, who they had lost to in round-robin play. It was a close game for all three periods, ending in a tie that sent the teams into a five-minute, four-on-four overtime. The evenly matched teams held off any attempts at goals. With no champion, the rule of play dictated a best-of-three shoot-out with both teams taking their shots at the same time.
The Sting scored on their first shot but there was no goal for the Sharks. The tension was thick in the crowd as they cheered on each of the players taking their shots, but there would be no more goals for either team, earning the Senior Cs the Gold. Great effort by all!
Player and HGHA president Kristy Vogel said, “The seniors have made to the finals numerous times over the years, but finally sealed the deal and won it all! It definitely takes a lot out of us who help run and put on the tournament and then have to play games as well. It was lots of fun!”
(Senior C Sting team roster: 1 Chantel Wilson, 2 Kelly Henderson, 4 Kandice Butson, 6 Jennah McIntyre, 7 Debbie Austin, 8 Cindy Austin, 9 Kerri Vallentin, 10 Kristy Vogel, 11 Sara Cook, 14 Christine McNalley, 17 Lauren Vermeulen, 29 Cindy Tippet, 31 Bailey Beaudry, 24 Michelle Everist, 22 Chelsea Babb, Coach Tim Butson, and Trainer Ruthann Cook.)
The Senior C Sting took gold in a shoot-out against the Barrie Sharks
The final game of the day had all eyes on the Atom Sting Yellow girls, who were paired against the Leaside Wildcats Red. The energy was high in the Jack Bionda Arena as fans took to the stands with horns, cow bells and screams of encouragement. The Sting were focused on the puck from start to finish, playing hard both offensively and defensively. By the end of the third, the score was tied 2-2. In the final two minutes of a five-minute overtime period, a Sting shot found the Wildcats net for the gold.
“We have a great group of girls who have worked really hard as a team this year and it definitely paid off this weekend,” said head coach Matt Woods. “It’s a great feeling to win a tournament, especially at home. Couldn’t be more proud of these girls.”
(Atom Sting Yellow team roster: 1 Jayde Woods, 2 Kirrah Corbett, 4 Kristen Marshall, 6 Rebeyka Henn, 8 Brooklyn Schosser, 9 Ava Solman, 10 Ali Rogers, 11 Abby Coles, 12 Megan McGrath, 14 Addison Campbell, 16 Keleigh Higgs, Coach Matt Woods, Assistant Coach Jeff Schosser, Trainer Kristen Higgs, Manager Samantha Woods, and Staff Randy Campbell.)
Brooklyn Schosser #8 celebrates a goal
Goalie Jayde Woods #1 keeps the Wildcats at bay
The fans went wild when the Atom Sting Yellow scored in overtime for the gold
Although the remaining Sting teams — Atom Sting Black, Peewee Sting White, Peewee Sting Black, Bantam Sting and Midget Sting — didn’t make the final rounds, all played hard and with heart.
Peewee Sting Black (in white jerseys for this game):
Bantam Sting (photos by Dawn Huddlestone):
Midget Sting:
A Sting parent and volunteer wanted to thank the Huntsville Girls Hockey Association, coaches, trainers, managers and volunteers for all of their hard work in creating a great experience for the players and their families and friends. The weekend wouldn’t have been a success without their long hours, dedication to the sport and the commitment to creating better hockey players.
“It’s a lot of work leading up to the weekend but you can tell that it is worth it by the smiles on the girls’ faces as them come in and get ready for their games,” said league president Kristy Vogel. “Our tournament director, Kerri Vallentin, gets a huge congrats for making all this happen. As well as the rest of our board members that helped out.” Vogel also thanked the many volunteers that helped with numerous tasks through the weekend, and the staff at the arenas for their work.
See full tournament results here.
The Huntsville Jr C Otters are hosting a Sting Night on Friday, January 26. All Sting players and coaches get free admission to watch the Otters take on the Caledon Golden Hawks at 8 p.m. at the Canada Summit Centre. Wear your Sting jerseys and show your team spirit as you cheer the home team on!
This post has been updated to include player names missing from the original.
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Our grand daughter is played for the novice sting. She is the goalie. How would one go about obtaining copies of the 2 novice sting photos?
We are so fortunate to have people like Kerri Valletin in our community who are so dedicated to girl’s sports.
Well done and thank you for your very significant contribution to the community and furthering your passion – development of youth sport.
Thank you! Sorry about my crazy Hockey mom syndrome all girls needed to be acknowledged. They worked so hard it was the most incredible weekend we have ever been a part of! Our first year playing in Huntsville!! Go Sting!!!
Hi Tracy,
It appears a few player names were missing. We’ll add those in. Our apologies.
Way To Go Peyton, And The Rest Of Your Team Keep The Good Work Up, God Bless You’s All, <3
Love to know why my daughter’s name is missing when she scored the winning goal! Proud parent just got sour! Looking back there are a few names missing!!!!