A season to remember for the Midget Major AA players will come to an end this weekend with the culmination of The North Texas Hockey League's Championship series versus a extremely tough Texas Brahmas team. The series will be the best of 3 games beginning with game 1 at 1:30 PM on Saturday. Games 2 and 3 (if necessary) will be played Saturday night at 7:00 PM and Sunday Morning at 10:00 AM respectively. All games will be played at StarCenter Farmers Branch.
With many of the Penguins facing the end of their Hockey careers last weekend, they answered with emotional and courageous performances.
In Game one the Penguins faced their championship series opponents, the Texas Brahmas. The Brahmas are a very skilled team that possess great speed and tenacity. In the end the Penguins prevailed 2-1 behind the excellent goaltending performance of Tony Girard. Adam Singer and Sean Heidrick both registered Coast to Coast tallies as the Penguin defense supplied the offense.
Game 2 was an incredible match up with the Texas Aces. A team that always brings a strong effort combined with an arsenal of goal scorers that are very talented. Sam Turner put the Pens up early only to see Ryan Holloway tie it 2 minutes later for the Aces. Devin Davis supplied all of the second period scoring putting the Aces up 2-1 after 2. The Penguins came just as if they were playing for their playoff, and career lives. They put up three goals in 6 minutes to give DJ the 4-2 victory. Justin McDowell added a goal, Sam Turner was the man on the spot to clinch the game with an empty netter. But, the spectacular game winner came from Chase Bunning as he busted behind the Ace's defense with an incredible breakaway goal.
Game 3 matched the Penguins against the hardest working, and hardest hitting team of the tournament, Tulsa Flames. The Penguins edged out a tough physical 3-2 victory over a fiercely determined opponent. Chris Murray scored 2 goals, including a phenomenal short-handed goal that will never be forgotten. Sam Turner lit the red light in the third with the game winner. Tony Girard was again strong in nets saving 31 of 33 shots.
Game 4 lined the Penguins up against the Alliance Bulldogs. It was a must to capture at least a tie to advance to the Championship series. The talented Bulldogs came full force with two quick goals from Brett Jacobson and Michael James to open up the first period. Coach Kowal considered the timeout to get his team in order. He commented " These kids find a way each and every week. I just had to let them play themselves out of this situation." The team didn't disappoint as they fought back from deficits four times to send the game into overtime. Sean Heidrick led the Pens with 2 goals. Taylor Clymer and Grant Willis added goals to send this match into a scoreless overtime period. Chris Murray and Justin McDowell converted in the Shootout, while Tony Girard came up with 2 big saves on the Alliance shooters to capture the victory.
I urge all DJ'ers to make their way to cheer these incredible kids on as many of them put the skates on for the final time. All season long they have never quit, this weekend will not be any different. You can figure these guys will make it very entertaining if this whole season is any indication!
Kelly Clymer
