Agawam Mites Win Thanksgiving Hockey Tournament in Andover

The Agawam Mite A youth hockey travel team defended its title earned last year at the Annual Andover Youth Hockey Heseltine Invitational tournament during Thanksgiving weekend at .

The team finished round robin play with a 2-1 record, earning them a spot in the championship game. Hard fought victories over Stoneham (3-2) and Wallingford, Conn. (5-2) set up back to back games with a gritty Andover squad. Andover beat the Chiefs Sunday morning 3-2 in the third game of the round robin, which included two shots off the post by the Chiefs in the last two minutes.

The championship game was a classic, back and forth affair. Agawam raced out to a 3-1 lead by two goals from Jimmy Ayers and a beautiful wrap around shot by Charlie Faldi. The lead was very short lived as Andover tied it up less than two minutes later and the first period ended 3-3.

The teams traded goals three more times before heading into overtime. Ayers struck again nine seconds into the extra frame on a breakaway to earn the Chiefs the championship.

Along with Ayers (5 goals, 1 assist), Jack Erdmann (1 goal, 1 assist), Herbie Collins (3 assists), Lucy Werner (1 assist), Luc Moruzzi (1 assist) and Drew Dolan (1 assist) made their way on the scoresheet.

Outstanding defense was anchored all weekend by Chase Davis, Dylan Cole and Dolan. Emmitt Harris backstopped the team to victory to earn his second win between the pipes for the season.

The Chiefs get back to their Valley League schedule next week against Winchester at the .