Cyclones Clinch U12 & U14 Titles With 100% Record

Posted on April 24, 2010 at 5:01 pm by James Glover

In less than ideal circumstances the Northern Cyclones Under 12 & Under 14 teams finished the season with an unbeaten record bringing home their respective league titles without having to play a game.

The club had been gearing up for a big weekend of 4 games (2 Under 12 / 2 Under 14), however we found out on Friday evening that the Armagh Stars were not fulfilling their remaining fixtures and the resulting forfeits were enough to ensure the Cyclones retained both league titles before the puck had even dropped.

Somewhat down heartened the young Cyclones players turned up at the rink to play their remaining fixture against East Coast Blaze which as it turned out was just a formality. Both teams having not played many games this season were eager to get things started, and the coaches were in agreement to play a few disappointed Under 14 players who turned up only to find out their games were canceled. Matthew Richey & Darren Gordon suited up for the game and both guys played outstandingly, chipping in on offense and more importantly keeping things tight in our own end of the rink.

The same way as every game has been this season the Cyclones got off to a commanding start. Nathan Dorrian and Stephen Eccles were reliable as usual, combining for half a dozen points each. Matthew Groves had been waiting all season to unleash the Michael Jackson tribute celebration and he got his chance when he netted in the 1st period. Matthew McRoberts and Ben Murdoch’s hard work and determination often goes uncredited, however this season both are regular features on the score sheet and they managed to pad their own personal statistics.

On the back of 3 consecutive shutouts Christopher Boyd, ensured the league title was won without conceding a goal. A statistic that is a tribute to Christopher’s own performances and the teams effort as a whole.

Unfortunately the game ended prematurely with a few minutes remaining as the young East Coast Blaze netminder was injured whilst making an outstanding save and could not continue. What we were hoping to be a fun filled day of hockey and celebrations wasn’t to be, however the boys did get to spray some Champaigne around for the 4th year running and we are all now looking ahead to the playoffs.

NORTHERN CYCLONES NIIHA UNDER12 & UNDER 14 LEAGUE CHAMPIONS 2009/10