PREDATORS 8U BRING HOME THE CHAMPIONSHIP

Competing in the 20th annual Crabtown Showdown Tournament in Laurel, MD our Piedmont Predator 8U House team demonstrated awesome offensive prowess and defensive stinginess while winning the House Allstar Division.

While many teams were relaxing and enjoying being off the weekend after Christmas, our Predators spent December 27-29 playing extremely hard with excellent skill, racking up a unblemished winning record of 4-0 while outscoring their opposition 45-19.  Facing a slate of difficult opponents with familiar names (Ashburn, Easton, Potomac) our Predators started fast and improved continuously throughout.  With both teams entering the semi-finals with a 2-0 record, and a 7am Tuesday morning puck drop against Potomac, our Predators wiped the sleep from their eyes, overcame a slow start, and won with improved passing, team defense and crisp shooting.  In the 1pm championship game, again against Potomac, the Patriots came out fast, with determination to turn the tide and bring the championship home to their rink. Responding to their cheering fans in the stands with sharp shooting and enlightened goaltending on both sides, the two teams vied back and forth for 48 tough minutes.  Our Predators held on to their narrow lead against the Patriot onslaught and were victorious in the championship game 9-6.

All 11 Predator skaters played excellently and each contributed to the victory; they selected as MVP for the tournament their goaltender, Cooper Johnson.  Well earned Cooper and well done team!!

Pictured are Coaches Mike Lupariello and David Torrey with their winning team: Michael Anuszewski, Theodoros Bardis, Joey Ciba, Cooper Johnson (G), Ryan Lee, Declan Long, Nick Lupariello, Liam Moriarty, Joseph Perdomo, Christopher Scanlon, David Scanlon and David Torrey.  Not pictured is Team Manager Melissa Ciba, instrumental and inspirational to the championship.