Congratulations to the girls on winning their first tournament of the year, the 2010 Ottawa Icebreaker. 

The team went through the entire weekend without losing a game – 7 wins in total.  The tournament itself is run under a somewhat unique format.  The games are short and frequent with all ties broken via penalty kicks.  No teams are eliminated after the preliminary round games; rather it serves to seed teams for the playoff round.

The first game on Saturday morning was always going to be problematic after the long drive the previous day.  And true to form the girls had some difficulty settling into the match.  The elusive first, and only goal came after numerous chances went begging – someone forgot to tell the girls that the idea of the game is to put the ball through that big white rectangle at the opposing end of the field.   

Lesson learned.  From that point forward scoring goals ceased to be exigent.  The girls topped their Division and easily won their initial playoff round game to close out the first day of competition.  The Stingers were rewarded with a bountiful team dinner and an impromptu tour of downtown Ottawa (including the Parliament buildings).   

The weather on Sunday morning was bleak.  The play on the field was much bleaker.  For the first time the girls were subjected to penalty kicks to break a tie game.  The Stingers prevailed thanks to some well taken spot kicks and Alexis’s usual heroics in goal.

Once again the narrow escape served to rouse the girls.  There were not going to be any more nail biters.  In the semi-final the Stingers scored early and ran out comfortable 3-0 victors over Oshawa Turul.

On to the final, and the team culminated the tournament with a thoroughly dominating performance against Ottawa South United.  The girls passed the ball at will and attacked mercilessly.  Within minutes it was 3-0.  Both teams managed one goal each in the second half.  The final whistle blew and the Stingers celebrated a well deserved victory.  All that remained was the medal ceremony, and a long ride home.  It’s amazing how a gold medal can make even a 350 km trek bearable.

Thanks to all the parents and siblings who made the jaunt out to Ottawa to support the girls.  Your support was much appreciated as always.

The Stingers will hope to continue their strong start to their season away against Woodbridge on June 3^rd at Vaughan Grove Park.  Kick off is at 9:00 p.m.

Disclaimer:  The opinions expressed in this, and all other articles are strictly the views of an interested team supporter / parent.