Guildford Firestars earnt a surprise victory in the inaugural Kingston Junior Ice Hockey U16s tournament held on the 25th/26th May 2007. The tournament consisted of seven teams, Guildford, Telford, Whitley Bay, Inicta, Kingston, Newcastle and Solway. Guildford were not expected to win as the side contained only two 2nd year sixteens.

The tournament was superbly organised, games were one twenty minute period with a running clock, no stops tor penalties and immediate restarts after a goal. Each team had to have three lines, after 1.30 play the buzzer would sound and lines would change on the fly. A bit like u10s on steroids.

This lead to highly entertaining, frenetic games.

Day one consisted of five round robin games, the Guildford side surprised everyone by winning all five. However, the 6^th game would be played on the second day against a highly talented Kingston side.

The winner of the Guildford Kingston game would automatically qualify for the semi-final. The loser however, would have to play an extra knockout game to continue in the tournament.

Guildford again put on another spirited performance eventually losing 2-1. The quarter final would be against 5^th place Telford, who Guildford had narrowly beaten by 3-2 the previous day scoring twice in the last 40 seconds to seal the victory. The game proved much easier encounter, Guildford running out 3-0 winners.

On to the semi. This would be against Newcastle who Guildford had already beaten 3-0. In a hard fought encounter Guildford progressed to the final with a 1-0 victory.

The final would take place between Guildford an Whitley Bay who had beaten tournament favourites Knigston in a pulsating encounter, 2-1 in sudden death overtime.

Having played so well in all eight games the teams confidence was high. However, after a narrow 1-0 victory in the group stage, Whitley Bay who were an extremely strong, agressive side who would provide stiff opposition to Guildford's young side. The side continued to surpass all expectaion by winning the final 3-0

Congratulations to the team, coaches Mikey Simmons and Nigel Harris. for a superb victory.


Guildford Firestorm: KJIHC 16s Tournament 2007
Click here for complete tournament results courtesy of Kingston junior Ice Hockey Club