Nelson U18 Selects grab bronze at Bill Eisenwinter Hot Shot Tournament
By The Nelson Daily Sports
Nelson Select came within whisker of playing for the championship of the Bill Eisenwinter Hot Shot Tournament Sunday in Coeur d Alene, Idaho.
The U18 Select finished third due to head-to-head action tiebreaker despite posting a 2-1 record.
“I was absolutely delighted with the effort,” said Nelson coach Dan Szabo.
“A few mistakes cost us, but I liked how we picked ourselves up after.”
“Our confidence is high, we’re getting more chances at goal and that’s largely due to everyone knowing what their job is and how that impacts the play overall,” Szabo added.
“We scored nine goals in three games.”
Nelson opened the tournament with a 3-2 win over Polson.
Nigel Ziegler scored the winner for Nelson late in the game to secure the win.
Johnny Johnson scored the opener four minutes and Missoula guest player, Cameron Ayers, added another with more sustained pressure at 16 minutes.
Nelson, with only 12 players make the trip, was able to recruit three players from Missoula, Montana including an exchange student from Brazil.
The teams exchanged goals with Polson scoring before recess and Ziegler replying in the second half.
Polson added a marker in the 64th minute and applied pressure late but Nelson held on for the 3-2 win.
Darian Johnson was in goal for Nelson to register the win.
Nelson then dropped a 3-1 decision to Idaho Thunder in a spirited affair.
After the Thunder took a 1-0 lead, Ayers scored his second in as many games early in the second half to even the score.
However, Idaho struck for a pair of goals to pull off the two-goal win.
Nelson unfortunately lost the services of center back Theo Bakas in the match and for the rest of the tournament due to an undisclosed lower body injury.
Nelson offence came to play in Sunday’s game against Livingston, Montana in neighbouring Rathdrum, Idaho.
Nelson led 2-0 at the half on goals by Jake Anderson and Bryce Twible, who converted a penalty kick.
Guest player Renan Paredes, with a pair, and Ziegler scored in the second half to give Nelson the 5-2 win.
“The Missoula guys were a great addition both on and off the pitch,” Szabo said.
“They fit right in and it was a good experience for all. Nice to make new friends.”
Szabo was pleased with the midfield play of Nolan DeRosa and Spencer Szabo especially in that final game.
He added that the back line of Theo Bakas, Andrew Knapik, Lucas Spielman, Dylan Bennett and Owen Thurston kept it tight under pressure then moved out quickly on the attack.
“Josh Venema from Missoula was a nice addition there too,” Szabo said.
“Johnny Johnson was our utility guy. Played every position on the pitch I think except keeper. And he was even ready to do that if need be.”
