Canadian Side Win Atom CanAm Collision Tourney ’99 Senators Strong Contributors to VictoryBirmingham, Michigan – A combination of fabulous goaltending and timely goals led the Canadian Atom contingent to the gold medal Championship last Sunday afternoon in Detroit. As the buzzer rang out signifying the end of the seventh and final period, absolute delirium broke out among the seven teams, their parents, friends and any others who knew to come by and witness this incredible spectacle. “CANADA, CANADA, CANADA!!” was cheered by all who witnessed the win by what was on paper an underdog contingent of Ontario based teams. The CanAm Collision AAA Tournament is unique in format of any internationally organized youth hockey championship. This year’s Atom version featured seven Canadian teams, represented by four GTHL teams (Senators, Flyers, Jr. Canadiens, and Red Wings) along with three other Ontario teams (Burlington, London Jr. Knights Gold, and Huron-Perth) pitted head-to-head against seven highly ranked U.S.A. teams (South Shore Boston, Chicago Mission, Belle Tire, Little Caesars, St. Louis Jr. Blues, Philadelphia Jr. Flyers, and Long Island Gulls. In particular our Atom Senators had a tremendous showing in the round robin portion of the event going 4 wins in 5 games with a total of 12 goals for and 5 against. This result seeded the Senators first for the Canadian side. As a result they had earned the prestigious right to play the last period of the seven period Championship Final. Heading into the Final, the Canadian side was the overwhelming underdog having achieved a record of just 12 wins, 3 ties, overall versus 20 losses in the round robin portion. The nervousness of the Canadian players and coaches was palpable as they stepped onto the ice to win gold for their country, particularly since the U.S. side was given a 1-0 lead before the first period puck as a reward for taking the majority of round robin points. With the pride of Canada and hockey glory on the line, each Canadian team played their hearts out against their opposite U.S. seed. The lead changed hands a number of times with the Canadian side making the best of their opportunities and also making many incredible goal mouth stops…. The onslaught of the U.S. attack mounted as the game wore on - challenging our D like they have never seen in their young lives! But our charges held their own, and the Canadian side stole the day with an 8-6 final score. The ’99 Sens, having earned the privilege to be on the ice at the final buzzer, acted as hosts for the other 6 Canadian teams as they rushed on to enjoy the best victory celebration in the life of any 10 year old Canadian boy! The Senators relished the moment and bonded with many new friends from rival Canadian teams as the medals were handed out and many pictures were taken. Congrats to all the coaches & teammates of the 2009 Atom Mississauga Senators: Coaches: Paul Frustaglio (Head), Martin Loft, Bill Boyko (Trainer) Goalies: Jack Grebenc #1, Andrew Peck #29 Defencemen: Nicholas Hammill #13, Chris McFee #14, Mark Martino #22, Eric Brown #87, Josh Rettinger #91 Forwards: Liam Kaslik #7, Matthew Baumann #9, Simon Boyko #16, Lucas Thompson #18, Connor Loft #27, Alex Daigle #77, Trevor Poeze #88, and Will Frustaglio #93. Authored by: Mark Grebenc |