December 30, 2004

Connecticut Tournament Results

New Haven, Connecticut -- The Pacific Steelers advanced to the Quarterfinals in the 19 and under AA Division of the Connecticut Polar Bear Tournament, before being edged by the Markham-Stouffville Stars of Ontario 1-0, marking the best showing by a team from British Columbia at the prestigious tournament.

The Steelers reached the Quarterfinals after an outstanding Round Robin in which they finished undefeated in their pool with a 2-0-2 record. The Steelers defeated the Colorado Selects 4-1, and Sound Shore Warriors 4-0. They also tied Assabet Valley 1-1 and South Coast Sharks 1-1, in what was considered one of the toughest pools in the tournament.

The Steelers were led by the sublime goaltending of Jenny Lura and Sandra Grant. Lura started 3 games, allowing only 1 goal against, for a miniscule goals against average of 0.375. Lura played exceptionally well in games against Markham-Stoufville and the Sound Shore Warriors. Grant meanwhile had a goals against average of 1.28 and helped the Steelers clinch first place in the division with superb performances against the South Coast Sharks, and Assabet Valley.

Offensively, the Steelers were led by Melissa Anderson and Jen Brawn, each of whom led the Steelers in scoring with 3 goals for the tournament.

The Polar Bear Tournament is considered the most competitive tournament in the United States. Steelers games were heavily scouted by US College Coaches, with over 50 college coaches scouting the Steelers team.