Vitos Defeat Steele Subaru in Epic Battle for Atlantic Gold

Ben Reid scored 52 seconds into overtime in the gold medal match to give the Saint John’s Vitos a 2-1 victory over the Steele Subaru Major Midgets of Dartmouth and the Atlantic Major Midget Hockey Championship title on Sunday at the Conception Bay South Arena in Newfoundland and Labrador. The exciting finish put the 600+ fans into a frenzy as they showed their appreciation for a superbly played hockey.

Defenseman Kyle Anderson delivered a perfect stretch pass to the tape of Reid, allowing him to bust through the stubborn Dartmouth and rifle a hard wrist at Dartmouth goalie Aidan Hosein. Reid managed to roof his own rebound over the shoulder of Hosein, who was brilliant all game in the Nova Scotia net.

The overtime heroics of Reid were matched by the last minute play of his teammate Alex Hambly who converted a quick pass from Ian Smallwood for a perfect low corner goal on Hosein with only 10 seconds on the clock and goalie Jake Stewart on the bench for an extra attacker.

Steele Subaru’s much-feared power play unit broke open the goalie-dominated game with 8:33 remaining in the third period when Matthew Warner scored from Dylan Burton.

The game was an epic battle that showcased some of Atlantic Canada’s best talent. Fans got their money’s worth alone from witnessing the catlike reflexes of Hosein against the power and skill of forward Alex Lafreniere of the Vitos. In the end, Hosein denied him on at least five occasions. Their handshake at the end would have been one of mutual respect without a doubt.

However Reid did solve the Dartmouth star goalie and earned the Global Warranty Player of the Game honors for his performance. To nobody’s surprise, a weary Hosein did likewise for the Steel Subaru team.

Both teams will now compete in the National Telus Cup being hosted by the Vitos later this month. Their rematch will once again be a memorable one for sure.