Rockets shine with strongest outing of the season against Huntsville at Owen Sound Northern Lights Lady Classic

Ayr Rocket U13LL Team members include (in no order), Scarlett, Sydney, Milena, Calla, Izzy, Bella, Nat, Lucy, Thea, Claire, Charlie, Clara, Rylea, Olivia, Lilah and absent from the photo, Bea. 

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

The Ayr Rockets U13 Local League team turned in their best performance of the season during the Owen Sound Northern Lights Lady Classic tournament held Nov. 14–16.

The Rockets, consisting of players from Paris, Brantford, Kitchener and Ayr, competed in four games across the weekend, but it was their 3–0 win over the Huntsville Sting that stood out as a defining effort. Ayr poured on relentless offensive pressure from the opening faceoff, generating wave after wave of shots and moving the puck with confidence. Smart passing, strong positioning in front of the net, and cohesive play across all three lines contributed to the shutout victory.

Defensively, the group was equally solid. The Rockets kept the puck in the offensive zone for extended stretches, and when Huntsville managed to break out, Ayr’s blueliners quickly closed gaps, stripped pucks, and limited any meaningful scoring chances on their goaltender. Coaches praised the full-team effort, noting leadership from veteran players and growing confidence from newer skaters.

Off the ice, the team strengthened its bond with plenty of laughs, including the chance to paint their coach’s head after surpassing 20 shots on net in their third game.

The weekend also included a special highlight: a university matchup between the Waterloo Warriors and Toronto Varsity Blues at the Bayshore Community Centre. The Rockets watched the Warriors claw back from a 3–1 deficit to earn a 4–3 overtime win, serving as a lesson in grit and determination that capped off a memorable tournament experience.