Soo Spartans show improvement in Owen Sound
Tuesday, June 19, 2012 by: SooToday.com Staff
PRESS RELEASE
SOO SPARTANS LACROSSE
********************
The Soo Spartans Intermediate Lacrosse team attended the 23rd Annual Harry Kazarian Memorial Tournament this past weekend in Owen Sound. Although returning from the tournament with an 0-4 record, the Spartans faced tough competition and played well throughout.
In the first game Friday night against the host Owen Sound North Stars, the eventual tournament winners, the Spartans played the entire game as they did most of the tournament, with two lines. Despite a strong effort, the powerful North Stars won the game easily 12-1. The lone Spartan goal was scored by the team captain, Nick Hrynuik, the assist going to goalie Conner Sonke, who had a stellar tournament.
The first game Saturday morning, which was against the Stayner Hitmen, saw the Spartans generate a little more offense and some much improved defense. With the first period ending with Stayner leading 5-0, the Spartans showed great heart, trading goals with the Hitmen to finish the second period down 6-1. In the third, the experience of the Hitmen outlasted the less experienced Spartans. The final score was 10-3, with goals going to Nick Hrynuik, Tanner Isaacs and Kevin Thomas. Conner Sonke and Cam Thomas picked up assists.
Following a three hour break, the Spartans were back at it, this time facing the Wallaceburg Griffins. In what was the roughest and most intense game the Sault team had at the tournament, the Spartans showed a lot of life, trailing at the second intermission by a score of 3-2. The Spartans continued to match the Griffins in intensity, with play going both ways on the floor. In the end, the Spartans fell to the Griffins 5-2. Wallaceburg would go on to play the host North Stars in the final. Goals went to Liam Brechin and Nick Hrynuik, his third of the tournament. Shyanne Lapossie picked up an assist on Brechin's goal.
The final game of the day saw the Sault players face-off against the Midland Braves. Despite a scoreless first period, the Spartans showed the signs of a long tournament, a little less experience and the long drive the day before, falling behind 4-0 by the conclusion of the second period. The third saw the Braves outscore the Spartans 3-2. The Spartans showed a strong effort and may have played their best period of lacrosse. The final score was 7-2. Both goals were scored by Kieran Godreau, with Shyanne Lapossie and Matt Cory assisting on the first.
In all, the coaching staff of Kyle Neveu, Mat Lacroix and Jim Van Benthem saw improvement through each game of their first tournament of the season, against teams that play each other weekly. The teams’ next tournament is the Nickel City Shootout in Sudbury the weekend of
July 6-8 where they hope to take the lessons learned in Owen Sound will give a more experienced effort. Their season ends with provincials in Whitby on August 7-9.
The team would like to take this opportunity to thank their sponsors Century 21 Choice Realty, Maitland Ford/Young Drivers and Nav Canada who have helped to make this season possible.
Follow the Spartans at soospartans.com and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SooSpartanIntermediates.
********************
