Staff
The local Taggs Source for Sports Bantam ‘AA’ hockey team got prepared for its home tournament with a weekend in Dryden.
Overall, the team finished with a 1-2-1 record while facing some tough opponents.
Taggs opened with a 2-1 win over host Dryden, with Jack Hamilton and Braden Webb getting the goals while Brody McPherson notched assists.
Coach Todd Hamilton also singled out the fine play of goalie Brandon Bodnar.
Later Friday, Taggs tied Winnipeg’s Seine River 2-2 as Ahwennaseh Mitchell tallied twice while Bodnar shut the door.
Saturday brought a tough match-up with the Notre Dame Hounds from Saskatchewan, which generally cranks out quality hockey teams.
Taggs stuck with the Hounds, but ultimately fell 4-3 to a team Hamilton said was made up of players who all were in Grade 9.
Mitchell again found the twine while Hunter Leishman also notched a goal.
The ‘B’ final brought some disappointment for the local squad as they fell 6-4 in a rematch with Dryden.
Taggs spent much of the game in the box as they were handed 10 minors and two majors while only having a single power play of their own.
Webb, Dave Pryde, Finn Chalupsky, and Leishman all contributed offensively.
Hamilton also noted that rookies Jarred Taylor and Chalupsky both had chances to tie the game late, but were stymied.
Taggs will be right back in action this weekend as they host their home tournament at the Ice For Kids Arena.
They’ll play a pair of games on Friday, taking on Warroad at 12:45 p.m. before facing International Falls at 8:15 p.m.
Admission is $5 at the door while a weekend pass costs $10.
