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The Martingrove Beacon
SPORTS
The Young Guns look to make some noise marko markovic
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Photo: Christine Chung
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This year, the Martingrove Bears Boys’ hockey team is a bit like the Maple Leafs. They are young, quick underdogs who are turning people’s heads. In a very competitive five team Tier-1 league, which features Etobicoke, Richview, Silverthorn, Lakeshore and our very own Bears, MCI faces a tough task. Most players in the league are senior students who play ‘rep’ hockey at the AA or AAA level, while MCI has only two grade 12s and far fewer elite skaters. In fact, half of the team consists of grade 9s, meaning the majority of the team is behind by two or three years of experience, not to mention many pounds and inches compared to other teams. These qualities make all the difference in such a physical sport. The team has played one league game so far this season, facing one of the better teams in the city: Etobicoke. Despite falling behind 5-0 in the first ten minutes of the game, our Bears fought back and didn’t give up another goal for the rest of the game. The final score was a respectable 5-1 against the talented and veteran Rams. An earlier game, scheduled against bitter rival, Richview, was cancelled and will be made up later in the season. The Saints may regret not facing the Bears early in the season. The boys will be in a tournament just before Christmas, where they will face off against top tier 2 teams in the GTA. In the past few seasons, MCI has fared very well in this tournament and is looking forward to another excellent performance. It will be a chance for the team to bond, work on their defensive strategies and give everyone a chance to play. Led by captain Luca Tirelli, one of two grade 12 students on the team, the Bears hope to use their team speed and impressive heart to take on the rest of the league. Tirelli admits that they need to play a more physical game and work harder on the forecheck to put pressure on their opponents. With the experienced coaching of Mr. Vujacic and Mr. Parker, the Varsity Boys’ hockey team, like the Maple Leafs, are looking to make believers out of their fans.
PE
Varsity Boys’ Hockey
Wednedsay, December 21, 2011