NEWS RELEASE
PURPLE COBRAS HOCKEY ASSOCIATION
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NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. – The Purple Cobras Hockey Association had an outstanding weekend at the 2024 Buffalo Memorial Invitational, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of its young athletes. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Niagara Falls, the tournament featured fierce competition among four of the Cobras’ teams, all eager to make their mark.
Team Highlights
The 2016 T1 team put forth a commendable effort, finishing the tournament with a record of 2-2. They faced a formidable opponent in the semifinals, the International Stars, a top-ranked team recognized for their skill and teamwork. Despite a strong performance especially in net, where Logan Foster turned aside 20 of 24 shots, the Cobras fell 4-2, demonstrating resilience and determination throughout the match. Their ability to compete against such high-calibre teams bodes well for their development moving forward.
The 2016 T2 team emerged as a highlight of the tournament, achieving a perfect record of 5-0 and capturing their division title. Goaltender Cooper Barton was exceptional, earning shutouts in both the semifinals and the final. His standout performance helped the team secure a decisive 9-0 victory in the semifinals verus the local opponents South Georgian Bay Riptides and then 6-0 over the Maryland Outlaws in the final, showcasing the defensive strength and offensive prowess of the squad.
The 2017 T1 team faced an intriguing journey. After a tough Sunday morning loss in their final round-robin game to Evolve from Rochester, the players regrouped and prepared for a highly anticipated rematch in the final. Their determination paid off as they executed a well-planned strategy, ultimately securing their division title with a 3-2 victory, Maysn Sears scored the game winner with under two minutes left in the third period. Goaltender Easton Roach was solid in net, turning away 18 of 20 shots and Hawk Heitola had the other two goals.
This turnaround is a testament to the team's resilience, teamwork and ability to learn from their morning setback.
The 2018 T1 team, the youngest squad, showed incredible heart throughout the tournament. They faced significant challenges against older and larger opponents, but fought valiantly. In their semifinal match against the Amherst Knights, they lost 4-2, but their effort and tenacity did not go unnoticed. The team’s ability to compete at such a high level despite their youth is a promising sign for the future. Layton Vickers led the charge for the group all weekend leading the team in points with 10 points in four games.
Overall Success
The Purple Cobras Hockey Association celebrated a successful weekend, concluding with two championship titles and an impressive overall record of 11 wins, five losses and one tie. This event not only highlighted the skills and potential of individual players, but also showcased the organization's strong foundation that was laid going into this tournament, that fosters the areas top U7, U8 and U9 hockey players.
The Purple Cobras are excited to build on their success as they look forward to their next task which is the Klevr Super League Belleville Bash Dec. 4-6.
Congratulations to all the teams for their outstanding performances and sportsmanship!
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