1985-86 Midland Pee Wee ‘A’ International Silver Stick Champions
“WE HAD SMALL
The Midland Marlin Travel Major Pee Wees qualified for the 1986 trip to Port Huron, Michigan. They made it a memorable one by capturing the coveted International Silver Stick Pee Wee A Championship. Midland claimed the title in impressive fashion, winning all five of its tournament games.
Midland opened the tournament with a commanding 10-0 victory over the Indianapolis Racers. Trevor Irvine led the offensive attack with a hat trick, while Jason LeClair and Shane Cooper shared the goaltending duties to record the shutout.
The Marlins returned to the ice Friday for their second game, defeating Chicago 4-2. Danny Sibley scored twice, while Irvine and David Forrest each added a goal. LeClair earned the win between the pipes.
On Saturday, Midland continued its winning ways with a 5-3 victory over Lorne Park. Goals came from Irvine, Gary Moore, Sibley, Gary Miller, and Gary Puddicombe, while Cooper turned in a solid performance in goal.
Sunday morning’s semifinal saw the Marlins edge Niagara-on-the-Lake 4-3 to earn a berth in the championship game. Midland got off to a fast start as Trevor Irvine opened the scoring in the first period. Shawn Lalonde then scored twice to give the Marlins a 3-1 lead heading into the final frame. David Forrest added what proved to be the game-winning goal before Niagara-on-the-Lake mounted a late comeback with two goals. Midland held on for the 4-3 victory, with LeClair and Cooper once again sharing the goaltending responsibilities.
The championship game matched Midland against Ottawa, with the Marlins skating away with an impressive 8-4 victory to claim top honours in the nine-team tournament. Mark Butineau enjoyed the game of his season, scoring his first goal of the year before adding two more to complete a memorable hat trick. His teammates poured off the bench to celebrate the milestone with him. Additional goals came from Dan Sibley, David Forrest, Gary Puddicombe, Trevor Irvine, and Gary Miller. Shane Cooper backstopped the Marlins to the championship victory.
When the tournament concluded, Trevor Irvine and Gary Miller were named to the Tournament All-Star Team in recognition of their outstanding performances.
Coaches
Bill Jones Junior
Bill Jones Senior
Gary Puddicombe Senior
Players
Gary Miller, Dave Forrest, Andy Bowers, Trevor Irvine, Shawn Lalonde, Ian Romanowski, Gary Moore, Dan Sibley, Todd Weatherell, Gary Puddicombe Jr., Mark Bottineau, Jason LeClair, Shane Cooper
