The Saugeen Bantam A team was established in 2010-2011 from a group of parents that had a vision to expand Saugeen Maitland from 3 teams to 5. Taking the 30 players from the tryouts at Bantam AA who were released, this group approached the Executive at SML to establish an A team.
Using this nucleus of players the newly formed coaching staff of Bill Spielmacher ( Head Coach ) and Greg MacDonald (Assistant coach) commenced tryouts and with scouting from parents providing additional players they picked 13 players to start the inaugural season. Howie Pruden was added to manage the team and run the offense door. Trainers added to the team were Saska MacMillan, Linda Rier and Tina Pruden.
With one goaltender, 3 lines minus a center and 4 defense the season commenced. The team was fashioned in the traditional Saugeen manner, hard work, dedication and speed. Lightning drills and hard practises started to mold the team and the first games quickly appeared. With a couple of losses to Sarnia to start the season including exhibition games the team saw the level they would need to raise their game to. It appeared that it would be a long road and we hoped we could compete.
The lines were established with Tori Harshman, Cassidy Mason and Tori Terpstra on the orange line, Ally Spielmacher, Reagan Kaufman and Sam Pruden the yellow line and Rebecca Rier and Emma MacMillan the purple line with rotating centers. The Defence were Taylor MacDonald, Jaime Van Loon, Jordyn Sholdice and Delaney Dupon with Rebecca Ropp the goal tender. Elyse Wolski helped in net for part of the year and Janine Vandershot was added late in the year once her boy's team ( Owen Sound Bantam A) was finished.
Starting slow the girls ended the regular season tied for 2nd and through playoffs ended up winning the South West Division going to League Championship. The team ended up number 4 out of 44 teams. The team proceeded to Provincials where they ended up short handed after a concussion to one of the core defensemen in the League final game put Jordyn out for the year. After a tie and 2 one goal losses put the team out the season ended. A record of 24-24 -15 was proudly reached by this team who had 10 of thirteen players being first year aged. The team played well in 5 tournaments , medalling in all but one. An unbelievable year for a team that struggled to even exist.
A thanks to all the parents, coaching and support staff for 63 games and 65 practises and the belief in this team.
Bill Spielmacher - Head coach and Team organizer - who took this team from raw talent and turned them into a first class group of athletes. For the hours and hours of coaching and mentor, encouragement and listening. Inspiring motivational speeches and demanding the best every practise, game and shift!
Greg MacDonald - Assistant Coach and Team organizer - who also gave his time, effort and many talents to teach this group of women. He was the Ying to Bill's Yang...Baby steps and stick to it ness his mantra. Defensive coach
Howie Pruden - Manager, Team organizer and SML Executive - who had the best time - opening and closing the offense.. Encouraging the team and organizing the games and tournaments.
Ron Terpstra - Team stats, Team organizer and SML Executive-
Scott Thede - Goal tender coach - Tremendous help for Becks
Saska MacMillan - Team trainer - Team Doctor - keeping girls under control, awesome on bench
Linda Rier - Tina Pruden - Team trainers - keeping girls in control and on awesome bench support
Mardy Harshman - Water man - keeps girls supplied with water and coaching staff and parents with coffee... always a laugh for anyone
Brent Kaufman - Sweater man - supplying team uniforms every game -
It's my birthday! - how can it be his birthday every tournament? nightly entertainment convenor- at 11:11 close you eyes and wish with all your heart and soul
Bonnie / Dave Ropp - running clock - helping meals - Bonnie never left the hotel until the party room was cleaned... thank you!
Sheila MacDonald - meal coordinator - team social manager - Grandma
Burke Mason / D-Wayne Dupon / Mardy - O/S bus drivers 130 times - moral and social support
Rick Rier - running clock
Jon Van Loon - PR manager - clock help
Doug & Corrie Sholdice - help in all areas -bus driver from Brussels (Sam thanks you) social directors
Fannie Mae - Team mascot and chief cheer leader
Devon MacDonald -on ice support and now has more male wisdom than a young man can ever need...
Sydney Pruden -Nick Dupon- Meagan Sholdice -Rachael Rier - cheer leaders and player / parent support - tough job!
Jenna Van Loon - equipment savior
Thanks to this group for making this year happen... We had the best group of girls ever.
