12U AA Columbus Day Clash Champions
Congratulations to our U13 (aka 12U in the USA) B team that travelled down to Pittsburgh this past Thanksgiving weekend for the Columbus Day Clash and emerged victorious in all their games by a combined score of 36-2.
With players and families arriving on Friday afternoon, the team took in a Penguins game at the nearby PPG Paints Arena. Proudly wearing their Flames jerseys, the players cheered and danced as the home team crushed the visiting Sabres 7-1 with the highlight of the night occurring when the boys were able to showcase their dance skills on the jumbotron at center ice during the third period.
With a late start on Saturday, another great surprise was in store as many of the players, parents and siblings were treated to a tour of PNC Park (Home of MLB's Pittsburgh Pirates). Sitting in the home team's dugout, visiting the posh suites, and seeing the internals of the stadium were just a few of the cool parts of the tour.
Later that evening, the Flames went out and played their first game of the tournament against the Westmoreland Eagles from Pennsylvania beating them 11-0.
Another late start on Sunday meant another morning of sightseeing. A visit to the Acrisure Stadium, Home of the Pittsburgh Steelers and a walk along the
confluence of the Allegheny River and Monongahela River, which meet at Pittsburgh's Point State Park to form the Ohio River were the highlights of the day.
Another evening start and another Flames victory. This time 12-0 over the Central Outlaws from New York state ensuring the Flames a spot in the final no matter the result of their next round robin game.
Monday morning came very early for the Flames and the days on the road, sightseeing and nights in hotels seemed to catch up to them against the hometown Allegheny Badgers who jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead. But the Flames battled back and took the lead for good early in the third on the way to a 5-2 victory.
The finals would be played Monday afternoon in a rematch between the Badgers and the Flames. This time, there would be no doubt about which team was superior with the Flames expending whatever energy they had remaining in a hard fought 8-0 win in the championship game.
A wonderful weekend and a great way to start the season for the U13 Flames. With 48 players, siblings, and parents able to the make the trek down to Pittsburgh, this is sure to be a trip that will be remembered for a lifetime by everyone.