It was a proud weekend for Irish Ice Hockey as the Irish U20’s National Team Select won Bronze Medal in the Dundee Stars Spring Classic Ice Hockey Tournament 2011 in Scotland on Sunday.
The select squad, comprised of former and current Irish U18’s international along with upcoming stars, participated in the popular event at the Dundee Ice Arena over the weekend.
On Saturday morning the Irish took to the ice for their first game of the weekend taking on the host team Dundee Stars U20’s. It was end to end hockey throughout the entire game but the Stars come out the winners with just a 1-0 scoreline.
Later on in the day, Ireland took to the ice once again. This time to faceoff against favourites for the weekend, the Fife Falcons U20’s. This proved to be a much more challenging game for the Boys in Green as Fife took control of the game and came out victors with 4-0 being the final score for the Scottish side.
It was another early morning on Sunday for the Irish and after a nights rest, the team lead by coach Kenny Redmond, was ready to take on Murrayfield U20’s. It was an exciting game throughout and each team took their chances. The team spirit and play rewarded the squad as they won the game 1-0.
Sunday afternoon and spirits were running high in the Dundee Ice Arena as Ireland where ready to compete against Murrayfield once again, this time it had a greater meaning- It was was the bronze medal game of the weekend. The team’s morale was on a high as. Both the skillful forwards and solid defence lines of the Irish and Scottish made way for a perfect game of competitive hockey. Pepper looked solid in nets and Murrayfiled couldn’t find the net as the game ended 0-0 after full time. The next few minutes were crucial as both teams fought proudly for the bronze medal. A penalty shootout would decide the medal winners. A site of nerves wasn’t to be seen from Adam Pepper in the Irish net as Steven Balmer and Sean Coleman netted two goals past the Scottish net to give Ireland bronze glory.
Coach Kenny Redmond and General Manager Jim Pepper can be proud of this Irish U20’s Select squad who arrived onto Irish soil with a trophy and medals late Sunday night via ferry. Also, Goalie Adam Pepper was awarded the Dream Goalie Award of the Tournament for his top class performance over the weekend. Steven Balmer was also awarded Forward of the Tournament.
The IIHA and the teams fans would like to congratulated the Irish U20’s Select on their magnificent achievement on winning the bronze medal in the Dundee Stars Spring Classic Ice Hockey Tournament 2011.
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