By
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Special correspondent
Published: December 20, 2012
Updated: December 20, 2012 - 12:00 AM
With the NHL in lockout, hockey has become a bit of an afterthought.
Not in the Tampa Bay area, though, for some 9- and 10-year-olds on the Squirt AA Scorpions, which won its respective level in the Silver Sticks Regional Southeast tournament held at the Ellenton Ice Rink in Ellenton last weekend.
Only one winner from each age group would have the opportunity to represent the U.S. and travel to Ontario, Canada, to face other regional winners throughout North America. The Squirt Scorpions had a tough test before the championship against the Squirt Bulls (Brandon), which feature sons of NHL players Marty St. Louis, Brett Clark and Sammy Salo. However, the Scorpions soundly defeated the Bulls 6-2.
In the regional championship game against the Squirt Flames, who the Scorpions lost to 10-1 in the Scorpions first match in August, it was basically a goalies duel throughout, according to Scorpions coach Brian Lugo.
Scorpions goalkeeper Spencer Rose had 21 saves and helped preserve a shutout against the Flames. The Oldsmar-based team scored the go-ahead goal with 5:06 left in the final period, as defender James Horan scored on a power play in the top-right part of the net. With the victory, the No. 2-seeded Scorpions punched their ticket to Canada and a shot at possibly winning a national championship.
"I think (traveling to Canada is) going to be a great experience for the players," said Lugo, who also coaches Mitchell's club hockey team. "It's a great thing for kids this age to go up north and go play hockey. We've grown up a lot since that first game with the Golden Wolves. It's tough work in helping the kids on their overall skill, but getting the kids to play together is the key. Spencer (Rose) played an amazing game. He played the game of his life that game. It was absolutely a goalie duel. He stood on his head blocking shots."
In the Tampa Bay area, there are three travel programs that feature a variety of ages, including the Oldsmar Scorpions, Brandon Bulls and Clearwater Lightning. Keeping focus on the game without its professional level, the NHL, currently not playing, is tough, but the youth sport has continued to grow. Manny Rose, father of Spencer Rose, spoke briefly about the game of hockey growing in Florida and the Scorpions' trip to Canada.
"I would like to see the growth of hockey in the area continue," Rose said. "Up North, many people don't think that Florida has any hockey going on. I went into the championship game somewhat thinking we might not be able to win and move onto the tournament in Canada, but now our winter plans have changed. I believe now any team can beat anyone, any given day. It's all about good competition."
The 44th Annual Atom and Midget Finals will be in Sarnia, Ontario, on Jan. 18-20, according to the International Silver Sticks Association website.
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