The KC Whalers are the U11A Neebing Classic Champs!

After so many close calls to start the season, the Whalers have finally claimed their first title!  Having already dropped two one-goal decisions in tournament finals, and another close semifinal loss, the Whalers were hungry to change the narrative.  They got off to a great start in the round robin, posting four consecutive wins, while outscoring their opposition 21-5.  The 4-0 record gave them the top seed in their pool, which meant a bye to Sunday morning's semifinal. 

Waiting for them on Sunday morning were the Peterson Building Supplies Elks, and the two teams did everything in their power to excite the enthusiastic crowd.  After a scoreless first period, Elks opened the scoring in the second.  The Whalers rallied to tie it early in the third, sending the game to overtime, where Desi Kuharski would convert on a beautiful centering pass from Max McGinnis to send the Whalers to the final.

After a short break, the Whalers were back on the ice to face the Current River Comets, who they had beaten 5-0 earlier in the round robin.  The Comets were riding high after their own emotional overtime semifinal win, and both teams came ready to play in front of a packed building!  The teams traded goals early in the first period, before Max McGinnis scored twice in eight seconds late in the frame to send the Whalers into the break up by two.  Julius Strang and Owen Rinn would add goals in the second and third to send the Whalers to a 5-2 win, and the celebration was on.

Congrats to the Whalers and all the teams on a great weekend, and thanks to our friends at Neebing Minor Hockey for another fantastic tournament!