The Smithers Midget Frontier Rams started off the new year right with a decisive 6-1 victory over Williams Lake to win the house tournament in Prince George.
The Rams asserted their dominance early in the annual northwest tournament, winning all three round robin games 8-1, 12-3 and 5-2 between Jan. 3-4.
“The team really came together during this tournament and played some of our best hockey so far this year,” said coach Jerry Watson in an email. “I’m very pleased with the effort the players put out.”
In Sunday’s final against Williams Lake, the Rams held the lead throughout the fast-paced game, going up 2-0 in the first frame, 4-1 in the second and piling on two more in the final.
According to assistant coach Norm Fallows, the team played at a higher level, cycling the puck down low effectively and were aggressive on the backcheck.
“Our team played really well. They played beyond our expectations. It was probably the best tournament that they’ve played all year,” said Fallows. “Their passing was amazing, it was some of the best passing I’ve seen them do. Overall, they played some really smart hockey.”
Netminder Lucas Wray had a strong performance between the pipes over the weekend.
“Lucas Wray made a lot of key saves when he had to,” said Fallows. “He was focused, he stayed on top of his game and his positioning was really good. He had his head in the game.”
Defence Rachael Giddings and forwards Hannah Groot and Carly Vanderhayden also contributed to the team’s success; while co-captains Caleb Wray and Bryce Deveau provided leadership for the team.
The Rams improved since their last tournament in Williams Lake when they finished third of 10 teams in November.
The next tournament is in Houston at the end of the month.