Chatham Thunder finish their season with a perfect 35-0

This past weekend, the u12 Victory Ford Chatham Thunder headed to London for the regional tournament.The Thunder finished a perfect 35-0-0 on their season (including tournament wins in London, Waterloo, Niagara Falls and the Region finals).

In game 1, the Thunder defeated the Dorchester Dragons 5-2 in a very intense game.

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 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.

A sense of relief fell on the shoulders of coach Renee Rivard.

Admittedly nervous before the game, her players had come through once again. Years from now, she
will always remember this group and the effort they gave day-in and day-out. Her commitment to them and the countless hours she spent on her team will never be forgotten by the little ladies either. After the game, she was caught giving her goalie Natalie Haggerty a hug, telling her how great she played.

Haggerty finished the tourney with 8 goals against in 4 games.