The Nickel City U11 Sons - East got pretty much everything they wanted out of their participation in the Toronto Aeros Winter Challenge Tournament this past weekend.

Well, okay - except for the championship banner - though they would come awfully close.

But everything else was great.

With the level of competition often a bit hit and miss for local "A" teams making their way out of town, the U11 Sons could not complain, with four of their five games decided by two goals or less.

The team opened with a nail-biter, edging the Markham Waxers 3-2 as Yanik Larouche, Etson Bigras and Zakai McIntyre handled the offense needed to get the locals off and running.

A two goal effort from Caleb Shydlowsky (Yanik Larouche drew assists on both markers) helped Nickel City double the host Toronto Aeros 4-2 as the Sons bumped their record to 2-0-0.

Alex Diotte and Kaiden Hulme added solo tallies, with Evan Pharand drawing an assist on each of those while blueliner Easton Lapierre was at his typically relentless best, neutralizing opposing forwards in the Sons' defensive zone.

Also helping the cause was netminder Hayden Rehel, his glove save at a huge juncture of the game ensuring that Nickel City had some breathing room as the final few minutes drew to a close.

A tremendous back and forth affair resulted in a 2-2 draw for the northern lads in game three with the Scarborough Ice Raiders as Alex Bruno and Brodie Bellmore found the back of the net for head coach Patrick Diotte and company.

Jacob Roy chipped in with a pair of helpers while defense partner Colton Hearn continued to serve an invaluable role as a key shutdown defender, including on the Nickel City PK unit.

A 6-1 victory over the Avenue Road Ducks to cap off round robin play would see several players find their way on to the scoresheet as no less than six different Sons pulled the trigger for the winners.

Alex Bruno, Malcolm Sanche, Brodie Bellmore, Kaiden Hulme, Caleb Shydlowsky and Ben Parker all lit the lamp, with Parker adding a pair of assists, as did Evan Pharand. Gabe Groleau found his way on to the scoresheet, feeding Parker on the final goal of the game.

Unfortunately, there were no Sons' goals to be found in the rematch in the final as Avenue Road turned the tables with a 1-0 shutout in the Sunday afternoon showdown. Nickel City goaltender Finn O'Byrn made a handful of critical saves to give his team a chance, including a key breakaway stop with three minutes to play.

Joining coach Diotte on the team staff are Joshua Bigras, Adam Groleau, Shane Parker, Kristyn Pascal, Kyla Roy and Noah Sanche.