The Woodstock Navy Vets are coming home from Ayr as Eli Palfreyman Memorial Tournament Champions.
The Vets capped off an impressive four days of hockey Sunday night with a 4-1 victory over Pittsburgh Penguins Elite in the tournament final at the North Dumfries Community Complex.
After falling 6-2 to Pittsburgh just one day earlier, the Vets responded with a strong team effort when it mattered most to capture the tournament championship.
Penalty Kill Sets the Tone
Pittsburgh had an opportunity to take control of the game early, earning three power plays in the opening period.
The Vets’ penalty kill answered the challenge each time, while Ian Kubelka stood tall in goal to keep Pittsburgh off the scoreboard.
The two teams headed into the first intermission tied 0-0.
Vets Strike First
Woodstock broke through 3:12 into the second period.
Xander Zanier set up Cole Shoup, who converted to give the Vets a 1-0 advantage.
Pittsburgh responded at the 12:34 mark when Philip Veneziano tipped home a point shot, evening the game at 1-1 heading into the final period.
Big Third Period Secures the Championship
The Vets began the third period on the power play and wasted little time taking advantage.
Joshua Jodoin fired a shot home from the slot to restore Woodstock’s one-goal lead.
Moments later, the Vets forced a turnover inside the Pittsburgh zone and Jordan Vanderlip capitalized, giving Woodstock a 3-1 advantage early in the third.
From there, the Vets defended well and Kubelka continued his strong performance between the pipes as Pittsburgh pushed to get back into the game.
With just under two minutes remaining, Zanier found the empty net to put the game out of reach and secure a 4-1 championship victory.
A Strong Weekend in Ayr
The championship capped off an encouraging weekend for a young Navy Vets group that included several affiliate players.
Woodstock opened the tournament Thursday with a 6-1 victory over the host Ayr Centennials before defeating Ridley College 5-1 on Friday.
The Vets suffered their only setback Saturday, falling 6-2 to Pittsburgh Penguins Elite, before earning the opportunity for a rematch in Sunday’s championship game.
The group responded with arguably its strongest performance of the weekend when it mattered most.
For a team continuing to prepare for its inaugural GOHL regular season, the tournament provided four valuable games, an opportunity for young players and affiliates to gain experience, and another chance for the group to continue building together.
There is still plenty of work ahead, but the Vets leave Ayr with some hardware — and plenty of positives to build on.
More Than a Hockey Tournament
While the Vets are proud to bring the championship back to Woodstock, the weekend was about much more than wins and losses.
The Navy Vets would like to thank the Ayr Centennials organization, the volunteers, organizers and everyone involved in putting together an outstanding four-day event.
We would also like to thank all of the participating teams for a great weekend of competition.
Most importantly, the Navy Vets were honoured to participate in an event dedicated to remembering Eli Palfreyman and celebrating his life and legacy.
It was a special weekend for the hockey community, and one the Navy Vets organization was proud to be a small part of.
Thank you, Ayr — and congratulations to the Vets on bringing the Eli Palfreyman Memorial Tournament Championship home to Anchortown.
