submitted by Paul Frizell
The Kemptville Royals U11-B1 hockey team travelled to Brockville over the December 1st to 3rd weekend for their first tournament of the year and came home the silver medalists! The team consisted of Blyth Martin, Tyler Fox, Greyson Hilton, Kieran Mark, Michael Fox, Jack Holmes, Carter Lizotte, Mason Paterson, Marek Frizell, Mason Walter, Brady Forman, Carter O’Neil, Carson Scott, Tony Charbel and Jakob Meisner, with a bench staff of Head Coach Chris Fox, Assistant Coaches Ryan Scott, Ryan Lizotte, Ted Forman, Trainer Mike Martin and Manager Paul Frizell.
Game one of the round robin saw the Royals take on the Osgoode-Rideau Senators in a back and forth battle where the Royals fought to the end to come out ahead 4-3. Centerman, Charbel led the charge for the Royals netting all four goals, with assists coming from Frizell (3) and Walter (1).
The second tilt of the day had the Royals faceoff against the South Dundas Lions and Kemptville came out flying. Goaltender Martin backstopped the Royals to a 5-0 win with the shutout. Goals were scored by Charbel (2), Frizell (2) and Walter (1), with helpers from Paterson (2), Walter (1), Frizell (1) and Charbel (2). Strong offensive rushes by defenseman T. Fox kept the pressure on the Lions, with solid defensive contributions made by Meisner to help secure the shutout. Lizotte won several puck battles to keep the Royals in control.
Game 3 brought an outpouring of offense from the Royals against the Cumberland Dukes, leading to an 11-1 victory and a guaranteed spot in the semi-finals. Holmes, who is out for the season due to injury, fired the team up with a message of support. Strong rushing by defenseman Mark created several offensive opportunities and kept the Dukes on their heels. Scoring was led by Hilton (3) and Charbel (3) with a hat trick apiece and followed by O’Neil (2), Frizell (1), Scott (1), and Forman (1). Assists were contributed by Frizell (3), Walter (2), O’Neil (2), and Mark (1).
The semi-final was set for Sunday December 3, 2023, as the Royals went head-to-head with the South Grenville Rangers. The Royals ruled the kingdom with a statement 6-1 victory to advance to the championship game Sunday afternoon. Scoring started early as M. Fox buried a rebound 1 minute and 34 seconds into the game. From there, the Royals charged ahead with goals by Hilton (2), Charbel (1), Scott (1) and Frizell (1) to seal the deal. Helpers were added by Hilton (1), Lizotte (1), Frizell (1), O’Neil (1), Walter (1) and Paterson (2).
The championship game saw the Royals take on the host Brockville Braves and it was a tough battle. The Braves had goals early, but the Royals fought back holding them to only two goals in the second and third periods. It wasn’t enough to mount a comeback, but the Royals did Kemptville proud and brought home the Silver Medals! The U11-B1 Royals would like to thank their season sponsors for their ongoing support, including David Walter Financial Services Ltd., McGraw Technical Services, J.D. Barnes Ltd., Annis O’Sullivan Vollebekk Ltd. and Moex Property Maintenance Inc.
