The Île-des-Chênes Elks’ Novice A Boys defeated Beausejour 9–1 on Saturday, December 14 to continue their undefeated season. The lopsided win raises their regular season record of 7–0–0.
The team of seven- and eight-year-old boys, coached by Paul Gaudet (head coach), Eric Beaudette (assistant coach), Joey Fontaine (assistant coach), and Paul Moreau (assistant coach), has had phenomenal success. The squad plays with speed, structure and skill.
“We have a group of kids that are not only competitive but eager to learn and are always having fun on the ice,” says head coach Paul Gaudet. “This, combined with a cohort of parents that are always willing to help, bring their kid to shinny or an extra skate, has over the past couple of years provided these kids with a solid foundation, one we have been building on since October 1st.”
Three players in particular have stood out so far this season.
First, Nixon Gaudet is having an outstanding year. This fast player excels on his edges and constantly dangles around defenders in the offensive zone. His hockey style closely resembles a young version of Winnipeg Jets’ forward Nikolaj Ehlers.
The second player who stands out is Mason Moreau, whose dedication to teamwork show in his crisp passes to assist teammates in scoring goals. Mason resembles a young version of Jets captain Blake Wheeler.
Finally, goaltender Nicolas Fontaine is standing tall in net. While the team continues to play well defensively, Nicolas has been tested on numerous occasions, coming up with multiple big saves.
Tournament Play
“Not only have we started the league 7–0, we have also won the two tournaments that we have entered this year,” says Gaudet. “The first being the Rob/West A1 Novice tournament and the second being the Stonewall Novice tournament.”
Eleven Novice teams from around the province competed at the Rob/West A1 Novice Tournament, held October 19–29 at Roblin Park Community Centre in Winnipeg. In total, the Île-des-Chênes Elks won four games to advance to the finals, where they defeated the APHA Winter Hawks 8–2, earning first place in the tournament.
Eight Novice teams competed November 30–December 1 in Stonewall, Manitoba. There, the Elks won five straight games, outscoring their opponents 65–24. They earned first place after beating the Stonewall Blues 13–2 in the finals.