2016 Lake Tahoe Invitational

The Oakland Bears organization sent multiple teams to Lake Tahoe over the long weekend for the 11th annual tournament. The organization was well represented by five teams: Mite 1, Mite 2, Squirt B, Peewee B, and Bantam A. 

While all the teams had a fun and amazing experience, the Bantam A team were able to overcome adversity and form a lasting memory by successfully making it to the Championship Game on Monday afternoon. 

The Bantam A team squared off with the San Diego Oilers for a rematch of their Round Robin game that saw them play to a 3-3 tie score the previous day. San Diego jumped out to an early 3-0 lead as the buzzer sounded for the end of the first period. However, Coach Matt and Chris calmly and effectively utilized their time to establish a good game plan for the second period. 

Much like the Bear in the movie, "The Revenant," this team charged into the period with viciousness and determination like no one has ever seen.  They took advantage of a penalty filled second period for San Diego and was able to take back the lead after two periods play, 4-3, led by team captain, Thomas Austin's hattrick. 

The Bears continued their scoring trend by notching an insurance goal early in the third period; however, they were unable to sustain that lead. The Oilers picked up their fourth goal midway through the third and fought hard to put in a rebound late in the period to tie the game, 5-5.  

Overtime would see the two teams play 4-on-4 with up and down action with each rush. Late into the period, Bears' defensemen, Drew Robertson, grabbed the puck and rushed down the right side of the ice and unleashed a shot that Oilers' goalie Mason Giordano was unable to handle cleanly. Bears' forward, Milo Shook, was able to find the rebound and put it on net, leading to the GWG. With 1:19 left in the game, the Bears piled onto the ice for the Championship celebration!