Halifax Ultimate Juniors

HUJ > History > 2006 Atlantic Regional High School Championship Results

2006 Atlantic Regional High School Championship Results

(June 04, 2006)

On June 4th seven High School Ultimate teams in the region competed for one thing, to be crowned the 2006 Atlantic Regional High School Ultimate Champions. The teams, who had been preparing for this day all term arrived in cold rain and blustery winds. As the players took to the fields, at the Mainland Commons in Halifax, it was apparent that only the most determined and cohesive teams would survive the pool play in order to make the cross-over round. Though all teams were evenly matched in the early rounds of this tournament, with every game being decided by less than a two point margin, Queen Elizabeth High, King's-Edgehill School (KES) 2, and Dartmouth High did not advance past the pool-play.

The semifinalists were four very evenly matched teams. One match-up saw this tournament's Cinderella team from Sir J A Macdonald (SJA) battling the wily vets of Auburn 2, a.k.a. "The Scorpions". SJA managed to score a crucial point just before the clock ran out, sending The Scorpions home and winning the game by a score of 4 to 3.

In the other semifinal match, the athletic grade 10's of Auburn 1 met the gritty KES 1 team for another tight game. At the end of regulation time, when the dust settled KES 1 was victorious, edging out their worthy opponents by a score of 4 to 3.

As the rain let up but the fog thickened the players from SJA and KES 1 prepared for what would be the closest finals in tournament history. KES 1 was playing stifling defense, neutralizing most of the deep strikes that SJA was attempting. On the other hand, KES 1 offense worked the disc up the field with precision passing, like a well oiled machine only to be stopped several times by the SJA defensive specialists who would snack on any rouge disc that entered their periphery. As the battle raged on, the teams continued to trade points. Nearing the end of regulation after a flurry of action, SJA pulled ahead by one but KES 1 couldn't answer. At the end of the match SJA was ahead 5 to 4 after another thrilling contest that exhibited athleticism, determination, and great spirit.

As the Most Spirited Player (MSP) awards were given out to those who had demonstrated great sportsmanship throughout the tournament, it was apparent that Halifax Ultimate would never be the same again. These juniors were so determined to play competitive Ultimate while always keeping a smile on their face; I couldn't help but feel excited about the bright future of this game.

The four winners of these prestigious MSP awards were Malory Beazley and Sam Drory from King's Edgehill as well as Noah Logan and Aly McPhee from Sir John A Macdonald. Congratulations to all participants, it was very exciting to watch all the close matches throughout the day.

Piercy Sanchez, Associated Press

Click here for tournament photos.