After a tumultuous day of hockey, Mike Saftic and his impeccably drafted team outlasted what was a well-meant Sylvain Filion Frenchmen team in a 3-1 final score to win the annual Horsemen's Hockey Tournament, which took place on Sunday (April 10) at the Cambridge Sports Park.
After a day that saw every team lose by a goal or less, the tournament wound down to these last two teams. Team Saftic was a force all day, and won the final in convincing style (3-1) against the resilient Sylvain Filion/Stephane Larocque Frenchmen that would not quit.
The winning team consisted of Mike Saftic, J.R. Plante, Tony Beaton, Justin Dunn, Riley McGiloway, Neil MacInnis, Kevin Skilton, Shawn Jenkinson, Victor Montini, Brad Shakes, Darryl Laver, Jared Bothwell, Cody Henry, Brad Wilkinson, Jeff O'Conner, Bruce Gilkinson and goalie Mike Berry.
The victors took home a $75 gift certificates for The Keg and championship hats, sponsored by Glen Smith of Merit Insurance and Dr. John McKnight of Northfield Farms.
After an amazing day of close finishes and high drama, players were treated to dinner, sponsored by the Woodbine Entertainment Group, Central Ontario Standardbred Association and Ontario Harness Horse Association.
The organizers wish to extend their appreciation to all sponsors and ask that each and every player in the tournament give a tip of the hat to any and all sponsors when they see them at the track.
Organizers would also like to thank the team captains for their support of the tournament: Pat Hudon, Phil "The Thrill" Hudon, Mike Saftic, Paul MacDonell, Trevor Henry, Rob Fellows, Sylvain Filion and Anthony MacDonald.
Special mentions also go out to Curtis MacDonald, who literally stood on his head, and Ryan Steward, who was voted top goalie of the day.
I would like to say a big
I would like to say a big thanks to Jody and Curtis for organizing the best day of the year. Thanks everyone involved. Special thanks to Our GM/Coach Mike Saftic and assistant coach Anthony Montini and to all our players this was a great team effort!!!