The Kincardine Home Hardware novice Kinucks captured the championship at the Chris Knott Memorial Tournament in Saugeen Shores.

Kincardine celebrates after capturing the Chris Knott Memorial Tournament title last weekend in Port Elgin. Knott was a former Kincardine Bulldog and Saugeen Shores minor hockey grad. (submitted photo)

The first game of the weekend pitted Kincardine against Kitchener. Noah Swann led the attack, scoring twice and setting up two others in a 4-3 win. Carson Fletcher and Jesse Page had the other Kincardine goals, while assists went to Quinton Page (2), Jared Houghton and Cody McLelland, who was named the game’s most valuable player.

Kincardine then squeaked out a 2-1 win over Petrolia in an excellent hockey game. Swann set up both Kincardine goals, and Kincardine goalie Ryan Tanner was sensational. Tanner was named game MVP for his work, which included an incredible glove save with his team hanging on to a one-goal lead.

Next up, Kincardine faced the host Saugeen Shores novices and emerged with a 4-3 victory. Kwade Beisel followed up Tanner’s magic act with a brilliant game of his own, while Swann collected a hat trick. Tanner had the other goal in this game. Assists went Quinton Page and Sam MacTavish. Page was awarded game MVP honours.

The round robin format meant Kincardine would again face Saugeen Shores in a semi-final contest. Kincardine skated to a 5-1 win in this game, with both teams looking understandably worn down. Quinton Page and Swann each scored twice, with Cody McLelland scoring once. Cam Fletcher had two helpers, with single assists to Jesse Page, Brock Courtney and Jared Houghton. Fletcher grabbed game MVP honours.

The tourney final ended up being a rematch with Petrolia. Kincardine managed a 4-2 win thanks to another Swann hat trick and one from McLelland. That gave Kincardine the gold medal, and Swann a tournament MVP nod.

The novices returned home, needing a break. Instead, they returned to playoff action against Mount Forest. Missing players due to illness, Kincardine still managed to squeeze out a 3-2 win.