@properties Winnetka Mite House Hockey 2015 Champions!

The Mite House Hockey Finals were held Sunday March 22, 2015 with @properties taking on rival Summit in a classic showdown of two cross-town rivals at the Winnetka Rink.

This game proved to be more than just a battle between rivals as each team showed class and determinations from the opening drop of the puck to the final horn in sudden death OT.

Summit got off to a great start and managed to build a 3-0 lead on the back of the strong play by the Durkin brothers, John and Charlie. This lasted all the way until 10 minutes remaining in the 3rd and final period of play. That was when @properties found a way to score and make it a 3-1 game. With momentum on their side, @properties added another goal just inside 5 minutes to play to be within a goal down at 3-2.

Summit continued to put quality chances on net but @properties goalie Rowan Hedley was practically standing on his head to keep the puck out of the net and keep their hopes alive.

At approximately the 2 minute mark, @properties got the puck in front of Summits net as it found its way to the back of the net to tie the game 3-3 where it remained until sudden death overtime.

Summit got the first opportunity to score on the back of a breakaway but was denied by the quick save of Rowan Hedley in goal. @properties responded in kind with a counter attack deep in the Summit zone, with the final goal being scored by the unlikeliest of heroes at first glance.

Maddie O’Brien who just began playing hockey for the first time (along with her brother Patrick), managed to score earlier in the championship game and help set up the comeback. She was the only girl on the team this year but that never stopped her from competing during practice and games. Maddie found the puck on her stick again in OT and squeezed it just past Summits goalie with no room to spare and give @properties the OT win!

This team proved the season was more than just about trying to win the championship game. It was about dedication, heart, and staying positive while never giving up on themselves or their teammates. They responded to the challenges they faced without reservation and accomplished their goal together as a team.

Of course, this team made all of us proud who were present to see this awesome display of courage despite the early challenges they faced being down 0-3. It goes without saying they were all winners well before that final shot kissed the back of the net and the final horn sounded giving the most improbable 4-3 OT victory.

@properties Mite Team:

Players: Brooks Armstrong, Ben Birmingham, Max Brewer, Roman Hedley, Owen Johnson, Tyler Kenyon, Dillon Kotz, Madeline O’Brien, Patrick O’Brien, Boden Rice

Coaches: Head Coach: Bob Kenyon, Steve Armstrong (not pictured) and Will Seaman