Griffins 16U girls’ team wins Pittsburgh tournament

Note: The following article and photos are reader submissions from a parent, coach, or player. Have your team highlighted on our website and in MiHockeyMag by e-mailing editor Michael Caples at mcaples@mihockeynow.com.

The Griffins 16U girls’ team traveled to Pittsburgh for the annual Pittsburgh Girls Thanksgiving Classic, and for the second season in a row the girls returned to Grand Rapids as champions.  While all tournament championships are special, this one meant a bit more to the girls after having played six games in three days with only 11 skaters.

The girls survived not only a small bench but also a nine-round shootout against the London Devillettes in the quarterfinals.  The girls were down to two remaining skaters when Maddie McIntyre beat the London goalie to send the Griffins to the semifinals against the West Durham Lightning.

After beating West Durham, the Griffins vanquished the Grey Highlands Shooting Stars by a thrilling 2-1 score in the championship game.  Laura Lundblad scored the tournament-winning goal while Dawn Salo earned ‘player of the game’ honors for her outstanding play in net.

The goaltending tandem of Salo and Marissa Ewald was outstanding throughout the tournament.  Every girl on the roster put forth remarkable effort to secure the tournament championship.