Wednesday, March 28, 2007 · Page 16 Skippers compete at weekend tournament BY DANIEL SCHWAB Practice paid off for Gosfield North Central School's Skipping Cougars over the weekend, as the team earned its place as the district finalist in a rope skipping championship. About 140 skippers ranging in age from seven to 14 competed during the event held at Essex District High chool. The Greater Essex County istrict School Board funcion was hosted by the Essex nergizers Skipping Team nd had five area schools ompeting. Cougars' coach Karen rnold said her team perormed some hard tricks durng the event, including donkey kicks" and "the ctopus." The 40 member, "Their stamina is incredible, I don't know where they get it from," said mistress of ceremonies Fran Van Gent. "My hat goes off to these kids because this is one difficult sport." Other teams that participated in the event include the Anderdon Public School Mustangs, Brock Public School's Brock Dawgs and Prince Andrew Public School's Prancing Panthers. Energizers heading to provincial competition After qualifying in February, the 28 members of the Essex Energizers Skipping Team will be heading to Hamilton this weekend to compete in a provincial competition. If they perform well, they'll have the opportunity to advance to the national competition in British Columbia. Team president Krista Willms, who's traveled with the team across Canada for competitions, is confident the group of youngsters has the skills to rank among the country's best. "In our national competition, we always do very well," Willms said. "Usually, in most categories, we'll place in the top four. I think it's due to good coaching and hard work." Novice A Drs Hager/Kniaziew Tuesday night the Ravens faced off in Amherstburg. On the second shift of the game Dylan Dent picked up the puck in the neutral zone and drove to the net where he found the twine to put his team up 1-0. Amherstburg responded late in the first to tie it up 1-1. Josh Scratch and Adam Amicarelli came up with big saves throughout the second period and the start of the third to keep this one knotted at a goal a piece. Amherstburg got their first lead of the game midway through the third but on a power play at the 4 minute mark Jared Fuerth beat the Amherstburg netminder with Dylan picking up an assist on a nice pass from the corner. Amherstburg again regained the lead with 1:22 remaining in the third but the Ravens weren't finished yet. With only 33 seconds left, Jared got a pass to Dylan from blue line to blue line. Dylan took the puck in and knocked the peanut butter off the top shelf. The team worked hard for the win in the closing seconds but skated off with a 3-3 tie. On Friday night the team visited Southpoint on the Heinz rink in Leamington. Southpoint was first on the board but 40 seconds later ESSEX PAYDAY ADVANCE Trust us for speed and convenience when you need money FAST. CASH! WHEN YOU NEED IT Offer good for pay as you play only. Prince Andrew Prancing Panthers Mackenzie O'Keefe and Enya Hulkkonen stand in formation before starting their pairs routine during a rope skipping championship Saturday. About 140 skippers from five county schools competed in the event, hosted by the Essex Energizers Skipping Team. Specials 35 VICTORIA AVE., ESSEX · 519-776-9986 Personal Service · Confidentiality all-girl team has been practising twice a week since December. "They're nervous and excited and they love it," Arnold said during the competition. "I'm hoping they do well and have lots of fun." The Cougars were beat only by DM Eagle Public School's "Twisty Turners", who earned the top spot as district champions. Skippers performed individually and in pairs, as a panel of judges kept a close eye on their speed, footwork and freestyle routines. Johnny Chittle and Jake Maisonneuve started a break-out play getting the puck to Brady Rickeard. Brady weaved in and out of the Southpoint defence and found the mesh on the far side to tie the game 1-1. Similar to Brady's goal Dylan took the puck in all alone and put the Raven's up 2-1 midway through the first with assists going to Brett Schmidt and Josh Amyotte. At 6:21 of the second Dylan strolled in again for his second goal of the night with assists from Jacob Gagnon and Adam. On the big ice it is easy to get caught but the entire defence were up to the task, eliminating breakaways and odd man rushes. Southpoint came to within one goal late in the third but were unable to find the tying tally as the Ravens went on to win 3-2. On Saturday night the Chatham Maroons visited Essex and made their trip worthwhile. Although Essex did have its chances, it was great passing plays and a strong defence that proved too much for the Ravens as they were shutout 5-0. The team faces the LaSalle Sabres Tuesday night as the playoffs wind down. Atom AE Ram Contract Carriers SALES · SERVICE · RENTALS Wildwood Golf & RV Resort 11112 Concession Rd. 11 McGregor, ON N0R 1J0 www.wildwoodgolfandrvresort.com 9 holes - $10.00 18 holes - $15.00 Invalid with tournament play or golf outing days. COMPUTERIZED WATER ANALYSIS (519)979-2395 519-726-6176 Please Call for tee times 119 Lesperance Rd., Tecumseh, ON. www.atlantistubs.com Following a two-week break from games the Ravens were right back at it with two games on the weekend. Saturday they went to Riverside to face the Rangers. The first period was packed with hard hits and the Skate Essex 2007 Registration SATURDAY, MARCH 31ST 10 A.M. - 1 P.M. AT ESSEX ARENA Learn to skate program Can Skate Junior, Intermediate & Senior. Register early for the National Child Benefit Supplement. Contact the town of Essex for details. 29th Annual Come join the fun at... THE KINGSVILLE ARENA! Starting March 30th and running four consecutive weekends. Team categories range from 19+ to 50+ for Men's Division. We also offer an Open & Recreational Ladies Division. Contact Dan Wood or Kelly Wolters 519-733-2123 Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. www.rusty-blade.com There will be lots of good e! food availabl Ravens working both ends of the ice but was scoreless. Into the second period Carter Sherk worked hard to get the puck out of our end with Eric Rawlins accepting the pass and taking it down the ice but it was Luke Tremblay who defeated the Riverside goalie putting the Ravens up 1-0. Riverside answered back with two quick goals ending the period in their favour 2-1. The third period gave Riverside the edge on the Ravens when they scored early in the third. The Ravens' defense worked hard and shut down their opponents for the remainder of the game giving the forwards the opportunity to score again. Gerard Busko made no mistakes and fired one in on the Rangers assisted by Carter Sherk. Rod Summerfield played goal for the entire game making some awesome saves. Final score 3-2 Riverside. Sunday the Ravens played in LaSalle. The Ravens came Rusty Blade Hockey Classic Did you know? is a proud sponsor of local Sports Teams out playing very physical just as LaSalle did. Three quick goals in the first period had the Ravens hustling harder than ever to get back in the game. The Ravens once again proved their determination by not giving up. They worked hard and made some awesome plays. LaSalle scored again at the end of the second period and once early in the third. Zachary Prentice scored the only goal for the Ravens, assists going toTyler St. Pierre and Carter Sherk. The final score was 5-1 LaSalle. The Atom AE will be travelling to Milton this weekend for a tournament before hanging up their skates for the year.