Nelson Maple Leafs Win Bowie Tournament In Shootout, 3-2

The Nelson Hockey Association Metro Maple Leaf Squirt B team won the Bowie Hockey Club Presidents Day Tournament with an exciting 3-2 shootout victory over the NOVA Ice Dogs on Monday, February 17.

Following shutout victories over the Frederick Freeze and Baltimore Stars in the tournament’s early rounds, the Maple Leafs entered the championship game looking to avenge an early tournament loss to the Ice Dogs. The Maple Leafs took an early lead on a goal by Preston Vaughn before quickly falling behind, 2-1. Nick White equalized early in the third period for the Maple Leafs, and the teams played to a 2-2 tie after regulation and a five-minute overtime period, necessitating a penalty shootout to decide the winner.

Neither team scored on the first four penalty shots, but much like TJ Oshie did to lift the United States to a shootout win over Russia in this year’s Olympics, Jack Tiger stepped up to ace a goal for the Maple Leafs on their fifth shot. Maple Leafs goalkeeper Jake Williams stonewalled the Ice Dogs’ final shooter, sealing the 3-2 championship win.

The team celebrated by drinking water from the tournament trophy cup and reveling in the accomplishment after a hard-fought game. The Maple Leafs wish to thank their parents and fans for their support, Nelson Burton for the lessons learned, and the Bowie Hockey Club for hosting the tournament.

The Metro Maple Leaf Squirt B team is manned by Jake Williams, Jack Tiger, Nick White, Preston Vaughn, Sean Joyce, Ryan Laughlin, Logan Bingaman, Collin Wood, Matt Phelan, Jake Kucinski, Lucas Murray, Michael Wiley, Sergei Pavlov, Matt Ritter, Paul Hilton, Liam McElhenny and Christian Williams. They are coached by Chris Wood and Brian McElhenny and managed by Keith Williams.

Learn more about Nelson Hockey Association at www.nelsonhockey.org.