SMHA Peewee Team Rallies behind Injured Player and Wins Cougar Cup

Ahead by a score of 6 to 1 in the third round robin game, the Thunder were assured of a spot in the semi-finals with a perfect 3 - 0 record.  However, as the game ending buzzer was about to sound, star defenceman Brayden Read hit the boards hard as he raced to clear the puck from behind his net. The injured player lay motionless on the ice attended to by the team trainer and a medical physician who was present for the game. The concerned and nervous faces of players, coaches and their parents looked on as paramedics carried Brayden off the ice and into the waiting ambulance.
 
The Thunder player was discharged from the hospital early Sunday morning diagnosed with concussion-like symptoms that would keep him off the ice for at least a week. With the news that Brayden would miss the remainder of the tournament, the team returned to the new Richcraft Sensplex in Gloucester with renewed inspiration and motivation to win the Cougar Cup Tournament play-offs. There was no doubt in any player's mind that the Stittsville Thunder were going to win the tournament for Brayden.
 
Midway through the second period of the semi-final game, Andrew Fitzel opened the scoring after being set-up on a breakaway by a pass from William MacNeil. There was no more scoring until the Dragons tied the game with 43 seconds left in regulation. The 4-on-4 sudden death overtime period began with a loud "win for Brayden" team cheer.  At the 1:40 mark, Andrew Fitzel hit the back of the net again to earn the OT victory and a spot in the finals.
 
The winning momentum carried through to the final game against the unbeaten Nepean Frostbite. Outstanding goaltending by Patrick Inglis and goals by Andrew Fitzel, Luke Yelle and Eric FitzGibbon put the Stittsville Thunder ahead 3 - 1 after the first period. Counting assists, all Thunder players except the goalie made it to the score sheet as the team fought their way to a 6 - 3 victory and earned the title of Cougar Cup Tournament Champions for 2015. That evening, the team trophy and a winner’s medal were delivered by players to the injured player.
 
Goalie: Patrick Inglis
Front row from left: Eli Bardell, Luke Yelle, Andrew Fitzel, Jamie Trudeau, Christopher Polak, William MacNeil, Ryan Baumgart, Eric FitzGibbon
Back row: Ryan Mourad, Cameron Tanguay, Faareh Bashir, Ethan Bebar
Coaches: Chris FitzGibbon, Hicham Mourad, Parry Trudeau, Laura Tanguay
Absent from photo: Brayden Read