By: Josh Wegman
Algonquin’s bi-annual intramural ice hockey tournament took place March 1 at the Nepean Sportsplex with Ennismore coming out on top, defeating the Fat Chicks and Hat-tricks in a spirited 4-1 final.
Mid-way through the second of two 20 minute periods, a Fat Chicks and Hat-tricks forward drove the net hard and ran over the Ennismore goaltender causing a big commotion.
Pushing and shoving began between the two teams and eventually several players decided to throw off their helmets and gloves, however, no punches were thrown. As a result, several players were kicked out of the game.
“I wasn’t on the ice at this time, but I’m proud of the boys for sticking up for our goalie,” said Ennismore defenseman William Saltern. “He played great this whole tournament.”
Things weren’t looking too promising for Ennismore early in the tournament as they suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 loss in their first game to the Peter North Stars after blowing a 2-0 lead. Ennismore was able to save their chances of playing in the semi-finals with a dominating 5-2 win over the Stumbling Chiefs.
Ennismore was the underdog heading into the semi-finals with a rematch against Peter North Stars, who had outscored their opponents 10-2 in the round robin, but were able to get vengeance with a 2-1 come-from-behind win.
“I think our teamwork was the biggest difference in the tournament,” said Saltern. “We bonded really well and everyone put in a 100% effort.”
It was really a disappointing ending to the tournament for the Fat Chicks and Hat-tricks, who were undefeated up until the final and weren’t able to back up their trash talk.
“This team has raw talent, boyish good looks, and I even grew a moustache for this,” said Fat Chicks and Hat-tricks center man Spencer Ayres, who scored the game winning goal in their semi-final win over the Jets. “If you combine Peter North Stars and Ennismore, we would still win.”
The college has two intramural ice hockey tournaments a year so there’s always time for payback come next fall.