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Atom AEs repeatas OMHA champsBy Herb GarbuttOAKVILLE BEAVER STAFFEvery team strives for success but for the Oakville minor atom AE Rangers, too much success seriously hindered their chance to follow up last years Ontario Minor Hockey Association championship. Or at least it should have.Last years title earned promotions for more than half the team. That left new coach Jim Franko to find 10 replacements to fill out his roster this year.Honestly, the expectation to win wasnt there at the NO. 1 AGAIN: The Oakville atom AE Rangers swept Flamborough to win the OMHA champion-beginning of the year, Franko said. but they just kept ship. Team members are: (front, from left) Max Perry, Mark Lakostik, Rodrigo Anzola, Gabriel Coutu,getting better their puckhandling, skating, their (second row, from left) Evan Hodgins, Ryan Skjarum, Luke Pilcher, Matt Stone, Michael Desautels,work as a team. And a lot of coaches commented on Christopher Nurmi, Patrick Vulgan, (third row, from left) Gavin McCready, Mac Sinclair, Michael Syrota,how well they passed the puck.Paul Franko, Caleb Walker (and right, hoisting the OMHA Cup), Ben Ecclestone, (back row, from left)Saturday Paul Frankos second goal of the game with coaches Marc Desautels, Rob Walker, Dave Skjarum, Jim Franko and Cam Sinclair.four minutes to play broke a 1-1 tie and Michael Syrota five series against Milton, a team it had yet to beat all season.ranks, that led the team in scoring.added a goal into an empty net to give Oakville a 3-1 win Living by the teams motto of never give up, Oakville won 3-1Despite all the new faces in the lineup, the Rangers showed over Flamborough, completing a three-game sweep and in Milton and then 6-2 back at home to even the series. In thepromise from the start, winning an earlybird tournament. At giving the Rangers their second straight OMHA title.deciding game, Oakville built a 3-1 lead through two periods andthe Bell Capital Cup Tournament in Ottawa at Christmas, they After convincing 7-1 and 7-0 victories in the first two then limited their opponents to just a single shot on goal in theentered the A division and won their first three games. Their games of the series, Oakville had to sweat it out in the final period as they completed an unlikely comeback.only loss was a 1-0 defeat in their final game, in which the clincher. Despite outshooting their opponents 35-5, the It would start a stretch in which Oakville finished the seasongames lone goal was scored into an empty net because Oakville teams were still tied midway through the third.with nine wins and a tie on their way to the championship. needed a win to advance.You start to worry because it only takes one shot, While captain Matt Stone anchored the defence and alter-Now, having won the OMHA championship again, Franko Franko said. Our goalie, Max Perry, he only had to nate captains Franko and Michael Desautels helped lead theexpects more changes next season.make five saves, but two of them were amazing.team, the Rangers also had some pleasant surprises.We have a really good team and Im sure well lose more Oakville would prevail, but that test was nothing com-Though the team scored by committee, it was Patrickplayers next year, Franko said. And thats fantastic. At this pared to the one they faced just to get to the final. In the Vulgan, one of nine players pulled up from the house leaguelevel thats what you want, to see players moving up.quarter-finals, Oakville found itself down 2-0 in a best-of-The Oakville Golf ClubQuality Baseball in Our Community since 19631154 Sixth Line2011 Player RegistrationFor House League and Select Programs for all Players Born 1993 to 2007The Oakville Golf ClubTeams and divisions are lling up. Spots are still available in most divisions.Do not be disappointed. Register Now.invites you to aRegister online atwww.baseballoakville.comor download registration form and mail with payment.NEW MEMBEROr Visit our clubhouse on SaturdaysFrom 10 AM to 1 PM at 1236 Speers Road, Unit #4OPEN HOUSEFor more information email us at info@baseballoakville.comThursday March 31, 20115:00pm - 9:00pmCome and visit Oakvilles hidden gemon the bank of Sixteen Mile Creek.Enjoy complimentary wine tastings,sample the creations of our excellent chef,and learn about the value of membership.For more information call Sharon Fraser905-845-8321 ext. 32More Than Golf17 Wednesday, March 23, 2011 OAKVILLE BEAVER www.insideHALTON.com