The Collingwood U11 A team recently competed in the highly competitive South Simcoe AA Tournament
The Collingwood U11 A team recently competed in the highly competitive South Simcoe AA Tournament, and their performance was nothing short of thrilling. From high-paced battles to dramatic overtime wins, the boys showcased resilience, skill, and an unwavering commitment to teamwork.The first game saw Collingwood facing the top-ranked South Simcoe Storm. From the very start, it was clear that the Storm’s pace and intensity would be a challenge. The boys struggled to adjust but fought hard throughout. Despite their best efforts, the Storm took the win with a 3-0 scoreline.Determined to bounce back, Collingwood’s next opponent was a feisty Timmins squad. The team came out flying, having adjusted to the high speed of play. Goalie Nick Ferreira put on a spectacular performance, making key saves that kept Timmins at bay. The boys capitalized on the momentum, clinching a 2-1 victory and gaining a much-needed boost of confidence for the rest of the tournament.In Game 3, Collingwood faced off against the strong North Toronto squad. Despite another outstanding performance from Nick in goal, Collingwood came up just short, losing 2-1 in a tight, competitive game.The semifinal was a highly anticipated rematch against the host team, Simcoe Storm. This game was everything fans love about hockey—fast, physical, and full of drama. After regulation ended in a tie, the game went to 3-on-3 overtime. With the pressure on, Nick made several incredible saves, and then Finn Bonta seized the moment. Taking the puck in the neutral zone, Finn expertly maneuvered around two defenders and went in all alone to score the game-winning goal! Collingwood secured a 2-1 win and advanced to the final.The final saw Collingwood face North Toronto once again, who are ranked 12th in the province for AA. The boys left everything on the ice, giving it their all in every shift. Despite their relentless effort, they came up short, losing 2-0. Though disappointed with the result, the team demonstrated outstanding effort, sportsmanship, and a never-say-die attitude.From a coaching perspective, the U11 A team’s performance at the South Simcoe AA Tournament was a true reflection of their growth, determination, and character. They played the game with heart and showed the true meaning of teamwork and sportsmanship. Win or lose, these young athletes made Collingwood proud.A huge congratulations to the entire team on their hard-fought journey through the tournament, and a special thank you to all the parents and supporters who cheered them on every step of the way. The boys represented Collingwood with pride and gave it everything they had. Keep your heads high, boys—this tournament was just the beginning!