Tanner Brouwer showing off his silky mitts Sunday
Je n’en crois pas mes yeux !
In February, the Belle Tire 2003 team won the PeeWee Major Quebec International, arguably the most important Tier I tournament in the world. They won five straight bracket play games to claim the prize. Much of that same team traveled to Minnesota this past weekend to take on four teams for a shot at the Mayflower Cup.
After losing 8-2 Friday to the Blades, Belle Tire came out a little feisty Sunday beating a very good NAS Capital team from Edmonton 6-2. After a slow start, they began to take form in the second period and were tied 1-1 heading into the intermission. When the game was over, I said "Je n’en crois pas mes yeux!" Which is French for I cannot believe my eyes.
The Minnesota Blades out skated, out hustled and out shot the Quebec champs 14-2 in the final period, scoring six to win the title 7-1. Tanner Brouwer from Pine City had a hat trick - one on a pretty move, one on a rocket to give his team the lead for good and one on a blue collar goal in front.
All Tourney Team
Sean Tschigerl, NAS Caps
Forwards
Sean Tschigerl, NAS Capitals - was fun to watch, used body well in tight spaces - good hands and scorers touch.
Tanner Brouwer, MN Blades - showed he is a lot more than just big this weekend. Shoots the puck VERY hard, and wins a lot of 50/50 battles.
Sasha Pastujov, Belle Tire - great vision and all around player. Knows the game very well - dangerous when given space.
Defense
Luke Mittelstadt, MN Blades - the most athletic player in the tournament - did things that would make his brothers jealous. Not a better player in Minnesota his age.
Marc Lajoie, NAS Capitals - great two way player, who makes everyone around him better.
Sasha Pastujov, Belle Tire
Goalie
Anton Castro, MN Blades - In a tournament where his team won 32-6, Castro got tested in key situations. He made 30 saves against Belle Tire Friday and again Saturday against NAS. On Sunday came a save away from his third shutout.
MVP
Chaz Lucius, MN Blades - what more needs to be said of the older Lucius? Great skater with magnetic balance on his skates, Lucius seems to always be in a position to score on every shift.
Unsung
Carter Batchelder, MN Blades - Batchelder may not have had the most points on the team, but he was likely the most important soldier in the camp all weekend. Batchelder is a coaches dream. He plays hard in all three zones. He gives a big hit when his team needs it and does great work in the dirty areas. But most important, has a nice skill set (speed, passing and shooting) that generates offense for his team.
Carter Batchelder, MN Blades
Final Mayflower Stats
| Player | Team | Goals | Assists | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chaz Lucius | MN Blades | 7 | 7 | 14 |
| Sasha Pastujov | Belle Tire | 8 | 4 | 12 |
| Sean Tschigerl | NAS Capitals | 6 | 4 | 10 |
| Tanner Brouwer | MN Blades | 6 | 4 | 10 |
| Cruz Lucius | MN Blades | 2 | 7 | 9 |
| Dylan Duke | Belle Tire | 3 | 5 | 8 |
| Dylan Guenther | NAS Capitals | 4 | 3 | 7 |
| Jackson Blake | MN Blades | 4 | 3 | 7 |
| Brad Lambert | Huskie Prospects | 5 | 2 | 7 |
| Marc Lajoie | NAS Capitals | 3 | 3 | 6 |
| Josh Medernach | NAS Capitals | 3 | 3 | 6 |
| Luke Wierengo | Belle Tire | 3 | 3 | 6 |
| Nicholas DeGraves | NAS Capitals | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| Zach Reim | MN Blades | 0 | 5 | 5 |
Tourney MVP Chaz Lucius scored Sunday - he had 14 points in 5 games
Recent MN YHH News
USEL Boston: Thursday recap
- By Peter Odney 05/16/2024, 8:15pm CDT
USHL: Five steals from the Phase II Draft
- By Peter Odney 05/11/2024, 2:00pm CDT
USHL: Five steals from the Phase I Draft
- By Peter Odney 05/10/2024, 2:15pm CDT
2024 WHL U.S. Prospects Draft: 15 Minnesota names
- By Peter Odney 05/08/2024, 2:00am CDT
TBO Showcase: Sunday Live Blog
- By YHH Staff 05/05/2024, 9:15am CDT
TBO Showcase: Saturday Live Blog
- By YHH Staff 05/04/2024, 8:15am CDT
TBO Showcase: Friday Live Blog
- By YHH Staff 05/03/2024, 7:00am CDT
