U9 Team #1 Snags Silver in the Frozen Toes Tournament, News (Newcastle Village Minor Hockey Association)

In a frostbitten showdown at the Frozen Toes U9 Tournament the Newcastle Stars dazzled and battled to a nail-biting shootout in the A final.

Colbourne, Ontario, was a stage for an epic showdown, with the Newcastle Stars battling fiercely against teams from Ottawa, Keane, Orono, and Bowmanville. In a dramatic finale, the Stars fought tooth and nail to a heart-stopping shootout in the A final, ultimately securing a hard-earned silver medal. This unforgettable weekend of hockey showcased the unmatched spirit and determination of these young athletes, leaving spectators in awe of their prowess on the ice.

Game 1: Newcastle Stars vs Orono Team 1

Big start to the game first shift frenzy and snipe. Linemates of Nolan “Top Shelf” Collins, Griffin “Gonna” Berry it, and Nick “Cannon” Gannon.

Next shift more of the same cycle down-low shot from the slot with Linemates Keith “Backhander” Brazeau, Blake “Gooooal” Govan, and John “Rushinit” Rosnuk.

Orono was frustrated early and often by defensemen Lachlan “Speedy” Brown, and Brody “Shutdown” Yorke.

Newcastle up 7-0 early domination. Clearing pucks and frustrating the Orono Leafs were Axel “Stylin” Rouselle, Shane “Long Reach” Rios, and Ethan “Mad Dog” MacPherson. Game 1 with a near shutout was Jackson “GOAT” Jordan! 15-2 final

Game 2: Newcastle Stars vs Leitrim Hawks

After a big breakfast and some root beers at the bar it was time to take on the Hawks who came all the way from the Nation's capital.

This one got out of hand early with goals by everyone on a full team effort and playing a full 60 mean mins. In a dominant display on the ice, the Newcastle Stars skated to a one-sided victory. Hats off to Jackson stopping 3 breakaways for his first career shutout!

The anticipation for the final built amidst a festive atmosphere filled with prizes, engaging games, and lively entertainment, keeping everyone's spirits high.

FINALS: Newcastle Stars vs Ottonabee Wolves

The Wolves were barking up the right tree all day and came into the game 2-0 like the stars. They had flash. Finish. Finesse. Stars had grit. Hustle. And teamwork on their side.

Stars Coach Jamie Collins had the team pumped in the room believing today was their day. Newcastle slowed down their danglers. They pressured their snipers and rubbed out their grinders for a 2-0 first period.

Coach Darryl Yorke running the defense had the Stars frustrating the Wolves. They kept at it and finished the second up 4-1 and the gold medal was in their heads!

Ottanabee was not to be denied though. They hadn't lost yet for a reason. They kept getting turnovers and quick breakouts for 3 End to end rushes and 3 nasty snipes!! It was 4-4 with 2 mins remaining! This was the best the Stars had played all season and they were hanging with the number 1 team! As the game neared its climax, the Stars launched an aggressive offensive, but were stopped cold by the Wolves' towering goalie, whose size was so surprising that it had fans whispering, "Someone check that kid's birth certificate," as he blocked shot after shot in a frantic last-minute assault.

Overtime? No. But sudden death it was. To the shootout! One player from each team. The Stars started, dangled and faked and the jumbo goalie just stopped it with his oversized pads. Wolves up next and tried the same forehand, backhand, forehand, triple deke that I’ve seen someplace before in a movie. The move worked just enough to tuck the puck in and handed the Stars a close-fought loss.

It was the most exciting U9 game of the season so far. Silver medals from the “A” final! A few tears were shed but we left with heads held high and learned a lot about ourselves.