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2000 Jr Gamblers Reach Semis at Bauer World Invite

By Jr Gamblers, 11/06/12, 8:45PM CST

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The 2000s used a balanced scoring attack, stingy defense, and outstanding goaltending to advance to the Semifinals of the Bauer World Invite in Chicago this past weekend.

The Jr. Gamblers went 4-0 in Divisional play outscoring their opponents 22-4.  Marcus Alfaro and Caleb Sauer shared the goaltending duties for the tournament and combined for a 6-game goals against average of 1.16.  Each had a shutout in leading the defensive effort. Of the 40 teams that started the tournament, the 2000’s scoring quotient of 846 (Goals For / Goals For + Goals Against) was second only to the eventual champion Grosse Ile Islanders, MI (#1 ranked Tier 2).
 
After defeating Little Caesar’s AA, Anaheim Wildcats, Orlando Jr. Knights, and Bloomington Thunder in divisional play, the Jr. Gamblers entered the quarterfinals.
 
The Quarterfinal game was against the nearby Highland Park Falcons, IL (#15 Tier 2).  Tyler Foytik scored the game’s lone goal early in the first period and the Jr. Gamblers held on behind strong goaltending from Caleb Sauer, and a penalty killing unit that killed off 3 minor penalties late in the game for a hard-fought 1-0 win.
 
The Semifinal game saw the 2000s facing off against Grosse Ile.  The Jr. Gamblers could not get anything started offensively against the Islanders and ended up dropping a hard fought 3-0 decision. Grosse Ile went on to defeat the San Jose Jr. Sharks 3-0 in the Championship game. Grosse Ile outscored their opponents 31-2 in the 7-game tournament and didn’t allow a single goal in Sunday’s Quarter, Semi, or Final games.
 
“We had early chances to score and couldn’t find the back of the net. Once they got the lead, they really clamped down on us defensively. We couldn’t get any pucks to their net.  They are a very disciplined team and well deserving of their ranking and this Championship,“ a team spokesperson said, “ We represented our parents and association very well this weekend and are very proud of the boys.”
 
The Jr. Gamblers look to build on the weekend’s momentum and continue to improve before heading to the Tier One Elite Showcase in Detroit, MI and the Shamrock Showcase in South Bend, IN at Notre Dame’s campus in December.