The Norwell District High School’s Varsity Hockey Tournament took place from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2, bringing 12 teams from secondary schools across Ontario.
Games were played at arenas in Harriston, Drayton, Listowel and Palmerston.
The Redmen had three wins and zero losses in pool play on day one, beginning with a 4-1 win against St. Mary’s from Owen Sound.
Points went to: Cole Leslie (1G, 1A), Josh Kueneman, Chayse Herrfort, and Devin Williams (1G each) and Jamie Hoelscher, Brendon Aitken, Josh Hoffele, and Jason Joostema with 1 A each.
Before the second game, the team held a ceremonial puck drop to honour the memory of former Redmen player Jeff Davie, who passed away in 2008 after a battle with brain cancer.
Doug and Sharon Davie took part, along with Norwell’s principal Scot Bishop, with Norwell team captain Josh Hoffele facing off against a player from St. Thomas Aquinas from Oakville.
“Doug and Sharon’s son, Jeff, played for the Redmen for four years and was a captain of the team,” said Steve Miller, Redmen’s assistant coach.
“Jeff exhibited all the attributes that we look for in our athletes,” said Mark Israel, head coach of the Redmen. “He was hard working, loyal, and unselfish, a true team player.”
Each August long weekend, the Davie family, including daughter Krista, and many of Jeff’s friends honour the athlete’s memory by organizing a 3-pitch baseball tournament in Harriston. Proceeds from the event have been distributed to various local endeavours through the Jeff Davie Memorial Trust Fund.
“ We were honoured when the family chose to donate money from this year’s tournament to our Norwell Redmen Varsity Boys Hockey team and to help offset tournament costs,” said Ian Strachan, Redmen’s assistant coach. “We were touched that they thought of us and we were glad to have them attend our tournament and help unveil our new uniforms.”
After the puck dropped, the Redmen went on to defeat St. Thomas Aquinas from Oakville 2 – 0, behind a shutout from Cole Wardlaw and goals from Josh Kueneman and Greg Allen. Jamie Hoelscher, Brendon Aitken, and Cole Leslie chipped in with assists.
In the final pool game, the team defeated Clarke Road from London by a score of 8 – 3. Brendon Aitken led the way with 3 goals and 4 assists, while Cole Leslie also had a hat trick and 2 assists. Chayse Herrfort chipped in with a goal and assist, while Devin Williams also had a goal. Jamie Hoelscher had 3 assists, while Curtis Shorey and Greg Allen also had assists.
The team moved on to the semi finals on Saturday, losing to the eventual champs from London South 4 – 3 in double overtime.
Josh Kueneman, Josh Hoffele, and Devin Williams had the goals, Brendon Aitken had 2 assists, while Greg Allen and Chayse Herrfort had assists.
London South defeated Erin 4 – 1 to win the Gold Championship.
Sacred Heart from Walkerton defeated F.E. Madill from Wingham 6 – 2 for the Silver Championship.
J.F. Ross defeated Oakridge 2 – 0 to win the Bronze Championship.
