The weekend of November 18 and 19, the Kimberley U11 Nitros traveled to Windermere for the U11 Rockies Tournament. Kimberley met Banff in the final.
Banff held strong with a 1-0 lead until half way through the third, when Kimberley Nitros right-wing, Rylan Kozey, got a tying goal.
The adrenaline kicked in on both sides of the ice, and a wild back and forth battle was underway for the next 10 minutes.
That was until 35 seconds left in the game, when Banff had a breakaway and scored the winning goal.
With only 35 seconds left, Kimberley pulled their goalie - the talented Hudson Boyd - to try and tie the game. Tthe clock ran out before a chance at the net was given.
“I’m very proud of each and every one of the players on our team and can see how much effort they give every time they step out onto the ice,” said coach Kelly Littlechilds. “We have just started our season but have noticed a great improvement in all of them. They were hoping for gold this weekend, as most juniors are, but should be proud for taking home a silver medal. Great job Nitros!”
“This was one of the most intense Juniors games I have ever witnessed” said fan Caitlyn Peesker. “You could tell that both teams wanted that gold so badly and both sides played with confidence and power, until the very last buzzer. Our team may not have gotten gold this time, but they played an unbelievable game and should be very proud. Every parent in the audience was holding their breath the entire game. Truly anxiety inducing. “
The Kimberly U11 competitive team picked up a bronze medal as well.