Saints Bantam AA Pepsi Shootout Champions

Bantam AA Takes First Place at Ice Line Labor Day Tournament in West Chester, PA

The Bantam AA swept thru a who's who of Delaware Valley Hockey League (DVHL) opponents, winning all five games they played at the Pepsi Labor Day Shootout, which took place at The Ice Line Quad Rinks in West Chester, PA August 31 - September 2, 2012. Bringing the trophy back to Sport-O-Rama is a great way to start this very promising season. Coach Silio told the boys pre-tournament that the aim is high this year - we want to advance to Silver Stick finals in January and compete for a place at Nationals in April. These may seem a long way off, but with all the hard work and commitment required in order to reach those goals there was no time like Labor Day weekend to get started.

Let the record show the 2012-13 Ramapo Saints Bantam AA hit the ice together as a team for the first time on Friday August 31st for 9:45 pm face-off. The result was a dominant 6-0 shutout of the Lehigh Valley Flames. After a short turnaround the boys won a tough game against the Delco Phantoms, 2-1 in a shootout Saturday morning. The days work had just begun as the Saints had to overcome a 4-1 deficit to beat the host West Chester Quakers 6-5, also in a shootout, clinching first place in round robin play.

After an evening of recovery and reloading on steak, pasta and seafood the boys came out strong Sunday morning and beat the Delco Phantoms again, this time 5-2. This set-up another rematch with the host Quakers. There was no early deficit this time as the Saints scored first and played well to start the game. Things got a little out of control in the second as the Quakers took a 3-2 lead. At this point coach called a time-out to restore order. The Saints responded as they scored two quick goals spanning the third period with a 4-3 lead. Holding a 5-3 lead with 3 minutes left the team faced a 1:30 two men disadvantage. After withstanding a barrage of shots during the penalty kill an empty netter locked up the victory and the tournament 6-3.

A great time was had by all as the boys and their parents got introduced to the discipline and commitment required to excel at this level. To start any season 5-0 is not easy, but an early reward for everyone's "Labors" should provide inspiration for the trip ahead that is the 2012-13 season. After coming back home, school and regular practice start this week. With 3 non-league games over the next couple of weeks momentum should be strong heading into our league opener vs. Toms River on Sunday, 9/16.

Congratulations to all for a great tournament and don't forget the Cuttone's are hosting a Bantam get together Friday after practice!