Gophers, Pioneers Win and Advance!

Tournament buzz was in the air Friday evening at Hastings Civic Arena as the 2009 Squirt Invitational Tournament began.

The stands were filled with proud and excited parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and other Squirt players - eager to see which friends' teams would be victorious, and which teams would fill slots in the tournament brackets intersecting with their own intended paths to the Championship.

The first matchup featured the 3rd seed Pioneers facing the 5th seeded Badgers.

The Badgers held tough through most of the first half of the game, but after a valiant effort succombed to the Pioneers' scoring machine, as team in white and red couldn't quite match their opponents' passing and teamwork, and the Pioneers went on to a 5-2 victory.


As the bleachers switched fans, the Gophers team had a private, players only meeting. What was discussed is known only to them, but whatever it was the results on the ice were unmistakable. In an exciting and fast-paced game, the Gophers dominated possession of the puck and exhibited the type of teamwork and hustle for which they have become to be known this season.

All Gophers skaters showed a heightened sense of urgency and Garrett started the scoring on his team's first shot on goal just 10 seconds into the first period. He followed it up with a 2nd goal later in the first to make it a 2 goal lead. Team Captain Kannon had a goal and an assist, and Assistant Captain Zach also each scored a goal with Brett and Anders earning helpers as well!

Defensively, the Gophers' defense was a swarming, attacking herd of maroon marauders; who seemed to always have willing help from a teammate in separating a green jerseyed opponent from the puck. Sunny exemplified this effort when he poke checked a puck from a Sioux skater an instant before he would have had a near perfect scoring chance!

Between the pipes, Jake saved all 9 Sioux shots on goal to earn the shutout.

The Gophers' celebration was short, as they instantly begin preparation for Saturday afternoon's game, in which they'll face-off with the winner of the 10:00AM game between the Pioneers and Wolverines.

Great job to all the teams in the tournament on both sides of the scores!

The games have been very exciting!!

Oh, and GO GOPHERS!!!!!!