The Niagara Thunderhawks U9 minor lacrosse team competed in their first tournament of the season last week in Midland.
While the results on the floor did not favour Niagara, the team had the opportunity to play some very talented teams.
The NOTL kids started the tournament with a great battle against the Stayner Hitmen.
“The Thunderhawks consistently kept the pressure on and forced turnovers throughout the game but unfortunately were not able to take the lead,” said team spokesperson Tracey Hope.
“The remaining games against the West Grey Rampage and the hometown favourites, Midland Titans, taught the players to never give up and keep on participating.”
Although Niagara was considerably outshot in the tournament, the Thunderhawks’ goalies, Noah Werner and Hunter Konopka, “always stood tall and never stopped trying to defend the net.”
The U9 team, coached by Gary Friesen, Jared Hope and Jeremy Werner, includes: Ansale’wit Christmas, Austin Cwiertniewski, Wesley Dodd, Elliott Epp, Brock Friesen, Tessa Froese, T.J. Gauld, Bennett Hope, Hunter Konopka, Zenon Konopka, Nico Mirabella, Chris Treanor, Lincoln Thwaites, Noah Werner and Rory Woods.