U18 Warriors compete at the St. Marys Rock Tournament

By: Michael Willoughby

The Stratford U18 AA Warriors performed well this week, securing a preseason win against the South Oxford Storm last week and participating in the St. Marys Rock ‘A’ Preseason Showdown at the Pyramid Recreation Centre last weekend.

On Sept. 22 at the Stratford Rotary Complex, the Warriors beat the Storm 6-5. Liam Micks scored twice to lead the team, with Ethan Eros, Jake Schultz, Reid Morris and Ryan Watling also contributing goals for Stratford.

Placed in Group A, the Warriors played their first round robin game against the Lake Erie North Stars on Sept. 25. After a scoreless first period, the Warriors scored the first goal on a short-handed play with 6:27 remaining in the second. They then added three more goals in less than four minutes during the third period, leading to a 4-1 victory.

On Sept. 26, the Warriors faced the Guelph Jr. Gryphons in a noon game. Both teams scored in the first two periods, but the Warriors scored twice late in the third to secure a 3-1 victory, improving to 2-0 in the round robin.

In the evening contest, the Warriors competed against the Talbot Trail Blazers in the final round-robin game, with both teams remaining undefeated in their groups. Talbot led 2-0 after two periods before the Warriors responded with two early third-period goals to tie the game. However, just 69 seconds after Stratford’s tying goal, Talbot regained the lead for good with three consecutive goals, resulting in the Warriors' only loss in the preliminary round with a final score of 5-2.

Despite the defeat, the Warriors topped Group A with a 2-1 record, earning a semifinal match against Lake Erie on the tournament's final day, Sept. 27. Stratford scored first in the opening period and maintained their lead into the third. Early in the third, the Warriors widened their margin before Lake Erie responded with two quick goals to equalize. Stratford then executed a rapid two-goal surge within three seconds, securing a 4-2 victory and advancing to the final.

In the final against Talbot, the Trail Blazers took an early 2-0 lead in the first period. However, the Warriors answered back with two goals early in the second period. Talbot scored a goal with 41 seconds remaining in the second period and maintained their lead by defending successfully in the third period, ultimately winning the tournament.

The U18 Warriors begin their ALLIANCE regular season at home on Oct. 3, facing the St. Thomas Jr. Stars at 11:30 a.m. at the Stratford Rotary Complex.