The Huskies had a great day at the historic first ever junior Nationals qualifier. Gateshead is the venue for senior hockey's biggest tournament, the Fantastic Fours, but the 3rd of December saw junior ball hockey players descend on this brilliant venue.
The Huskies fielded a team at under 12 and 15, with three of our younger players also guesting for the Northumbria Shark Tails and Durham Ninjas at under 7 and 9 levels.
Our under 15s went unbeaten all day, just dropping one point during their six round robin games. They looked hell bent on turning every game into a close one, usually taking the lead only to let their opponents creep back into the game. They started to hit their best form toward the end of the group phase, and were in top gear in the final against the Sheffield Steelers with a 6-2 victory. Captain Aidan Cox was on hand to receive the trophy.
Our under 12s had a mixed round robin phase, as our young squad, many of which are from last year's under 9 national champion team, battled to 2nd place and a place in final. Their opponents in the final, again the Sheffield Steelers, had beaten the Huskies in the final group game rather heavily. The Huskies flew out to a 4-0 lead early in the game and never looked back. A vintage performance ending in 6-2 victory. Captain Isaac Oldham, who also played in the under 15s, proudly received the trophy.
All in all a great day. Thanks to the organisers for an event that opened this new era of junior hockey with a bang.
