Mallard's Team of the Week — Atom Development squads wins tourney
By The Nelson Daily Sports
By Bruce Fuhr
The Nelson Daily Sports
Connor Comishin made some key saves down the stretch to power the Nelson Atom Development squad to a 4-3 over Vancouver Thunderbirds in the final of the Osoyoos Atom Tournament Sunday in the South Okanagan.
“It was hard to name game stars as all (the players) deserved them,” said coach Vince Vulcano. “It was unbelievable how well the kids played as a team.”
Trailing 1-0 in the final, Nelson struck twice before the period ended to lead 2-1.
Each team scored in the second before Nelson notched the winner in the third.
Atom Development is a minor hockey program that practices once a week, and cannot play games until the house season concludes in March.
“To (win) against these teams that get to practice and play games together all year is quite an accomplishment for these kids,” Vulcano explained. “I would love to have seen what we could have done with these kids if we could practice and play as a team the entire season.”
Nelson opened against the Penticton Junior Vees. Nelson dominated the contest winning 11-4.
The Atoms lost game two, a tough 5-4 decision to South Okanagan Rush before blowing out Quesnel Devils 14-0.
“We needed a low goals against (number) to claim the wild card spot for playoffs,” said Vulcano.
Nelson once again met the Rush in the semi final.
Trailing 5-3 with just over a minute remaining in the game, Nelson did the unthinkable scoring twice to tie the game.
Overtime — first 4 on 4 and then 3 on 3 — settled nothing. Shootout was needed to determine this winner.
Goalie Riley Davidson stopped all three South Okanagan shooters before Reese Tambellini netted the winner for Nelson.
“(Reese) shot stick side and it went in,” said Vulcano.
Nelson finished third in the Heritage City classic the week prior.
So this result was definitely a pleasant surprise.
“All the credit goes to these kids, they worked their butts off for one another,” said Vulcano. “We emphasized playing for each other, your line mate, defence partners, goaltenders, the logo on the front of your jersey.
“They did it. I am so proud of them.”
sports@thenelsondaily.com
