U12 Thunder Cap Perfect Season
The Chatham Thunder U12 team capped off a perfect season winning regionals, and finishing with a 35-0-0 record – Contributed Photo
In game 1, the Thunder defeated the Dorchester Dragons 5-2 in a very intense game. The opening match of the tourney had an incredible atmosphere, the parents and fans cheering their teams on. Kate Thompson led the way for Chatham registering a hat trick. Myah Walters scored a goal and had two assists. Kaia Rivard also fired home a goal. Alayna White and Gabby Arbour had two assists each and Rebecca Durocher chipped in with a helper as well.
Game 2 saw Chatham face Goderich. A spirited affair led them to a 4-0 victory as goalie Natalie Haggerty shut the door on the Ice Crushers. Her sister, Julia Haggerty would provide all the offense Chatham needed as she factored in each score with three goals and an assist. Rebecca Durocher also scored on a fantastic shot up top. Allison Newman, Myah Walters, Kaia Rivard and Kate Thompson all had assists.
Saturday afternoon, Chatham would be facing the Tillsonburg Twisters. Both teams had won their first two games and regardless of the outcome, they would play each other Sunday morning for the championship. The Thunder were still chasing the perfect year though. A 5-3 victory would be the outcome in a hard fought game. Julia Haggerty and Kate Thompson both had a pair and Kaia Rivard scored with a wicked wrist shot. Alayna White, Gabby Arbour and Haggerty all had assists as well.
The championship game was nothing less than an old fashioned slugfest again between Chatham and Tillsonburg. A 4-3 down-to-the-wire Chatham win secured a once in a lifetime moment. The Thunder had gone an entire season without a loss or tie. The leader in this game was Kate Thompson. She scored three goals and seemed to be everywhere on the ice. Kaia Rivard also scored on another of her patented shots. Allison Newman, Gabby Arbour and Myah Walters all had helpers.
Natalie Haggerty was strong in net all tournament and season, allowing only 8 goals against in 4 games on the weekend.
Pictured Above: Bottom left – Abby Lumley, Maya Haines, Natalie Haggerty & Rebeka Durocher. Second row – Kate Thompson, Allison Newman, Myah Walters & Trainer Jeff Walters. Third row – Head Coach Renee Rivard, Alayna White, Abby Padbury, Kaia Rivard & Gabby Arbour. Top row – Assistant Coach John Thompson, Julia Haggerty & Manager John Haggerty.