It was an exciting finish for Amherstburg's Novice team Paquette Performance, in this past Riverside Family's First minor hockey tournament. They played the first game in the round robin on a Wednesday evening taking a 5 to 1 victory over Riverside Dodge Caravan Kids Black. Goals came from Nolan Rene(2), John Lopez(2) and Kody Garner, and assists from Jake Collver(2), Kody Garner(2), Nick Griggs, Austin Kempster, and Nolan Rene.
The second game same them face-off against Riverside Dodge Caravan Kids Grey, in which it came down to end but the opposing team made a last minute push to win the game by a score of 4 to 3. Goals came from Nolan Rene(2), Ainsley Sawchuk, and Kody Garner. Assists we made by Cameron Rousell (2), Austin Kempster, Ainsley Sawchuk, Declan Mcgrath, and Carter Prieur.
In the third match of the round robin, they went up against Riverside Dodge Caravan Kids Red. It was an exciting game that saw Paquette Performance put on a clinic in which they won 12 to 3. Goals came from 4 players, John Lopez (7), Ainsley Sawchuk (2), Nolan Rene (2), and Kody Garner. Assists came from Kody Garner (5), Ainsley Sawchuk (2), Josh Bastien (2), Davin Paquette and Nick Griggs.
Having placed in the top 4 teams of the round robin, Paquette Performance found themselves playing the Mount Brydges Gold team which went undefeated and only allowed 4 goals. It was a great game that saw the only action coming during the second period. Nolan Rene and Cameron Rousell scored the only 2 goals of the game, while goaltender Jake Collver rose to the challenge and fended off several rushes, posting a shutout.
The finals were set as Paquette Performance was to face Riverside Dodge Caravan Kids Blue for the Championship. The first period saw goals coming from Cameron Rousell assisted by Kody Garner, Ainsley Sawchuk assisted by Kody Garner, and John Lopez assisted by Nolan Rene, and Blue managed to get one by. Second period action was tighter with Paquette getting goals from Nolan Rene assited by John Lopez, Ainsley Sawchuk assisted by Davin Paquette, and John Lopez assisted by Nolan Rene. Riverside Blue managed to get 2 more goals as well. 6 to 3 was the score heading into the third period and each team managed to score one more time. Nolan Rene from john Lopez and Davin Paquette was the final goal that clinched the Championship for this Novice team from Amherstburg.
The coaching staff, lead by Brent Paquette – head coach, Jay Bastien – assistant coach, Terry Sawchuk – assistant coach, and Dave Rousell – assistant coach and the parents are very proud of these young men and women. What a great team effort that brought the “Green Machine” together and saw them win their first tournament of the year.
