Minto Mad Dogs win Silver Stick tournament

PELHAM – The Minto Mad Dogs U15 hockey team went undefeated to claim the championship at the International Silver Stick Finals in Pelham from Jan. 8 to 11.

The tournament featured more than 80 teams across seven divisions, with 14 teams qualifying for the U15HL/LL (House League/Local League) division.

Each team earned its spot by finishing first or second in their respective regional Silver Stick competitions.

Fresh off a six-game undefeated run at their regional tournament in Kincardine six days earlier, the Mad Dogs arrived in Pelham determined to keep their momentum rolling – and they did exactly that, said team manager Chantelle Koeslag.

Minto opened round-robin play on Jan. 8 with a 4–0 shutout victory over the Walkerton Capitals 1 team.

On  Jan. 9 the Mad Dogs continued their strong play, edging the North Middlesex Jr. Stars 2–1 in the morning before earning a solid 6–3 win over the Petoskey Jr. Northmen later that afternoon.

The winning continued on Jan. 10 as Minto defeated the Aylmer Flames Black, securing first place in its pool and earning a spot in the semi-finals later that day.

In the semi-final game, the Mad Dogs defeated Mitchell Yellow 5–2 to advance to the championship final.

In the final, Minto faced a familiar opponent in the Petoskey Jr. Northmen, who had travelled from Petoskey, Michigan.

In a fast-paced and hard-fought contest, the Mad Dogs emerged victorious with a 6–4 win, sealing the championship, Koeslag said.

By the end of the tournament, the Mad Dogs had completed a perfect run – six games, six wins – bringing home the International Silver Stick title.