from the
Oakville Beaver
A tournament title was the goal of the Oakville atom A Rangers blue team’s trip to Ottawa last weekend, but it isn’t what they’ll remember most.Winning the Capital Volunteer Cup championship took a back seat to what the team experienced in Canada’s capital city, following the shootings on Parliament Hill.
The Rangers visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and also witnessed the Ottawa Senators’ pre-game ceremony Saturday night that honoured the memories of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo and Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent.
“Obviously, it is great to win the tournament. But, being in Ottawa this past weekend, in the aftermath of the senseless attack, gave our team the chance to honour the ultimate sacrifices made by Canadians to give us the great country we enjoy today,” said Rangers head coach John Verdon.“(Visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and attending the Senators game) were moments that we hope stick with the boys forever.”
On the ice, the Rangers won the tournament with a 3-0 victory over the Clarington Toros in Sunday’s final. Kael Carey had two goals and an assist to earn championship game MVP honours, while Nathan Jesseau recorded the shutout. Oakville’s Alexandre Dupuis led the tournament in scoring.
Other members of the Rangers squad are Ryan Blumer, Liam Austin, Logan Fletcher, Jack Churchill, Joseph Natale, Matthew Rydz, Matthew Calderwood, Daniel McKnight, Tyler Tufford, Daniel Verdon, Griffin Pick, Jacob Schneider, Justin Muurinen and Angelo Turco.
“Every member of this team contributed to our win,” said Rangers assistant coach David Jesseau. “We had different kids step up every shift, every game.” John Pick and Pat Carey also coach the Rangers.
