December was a busy month for the Toronto Marlboros.  With the schedule indicating 8 regular season games plus the Jr. Canadiens tournament to follow, the team knew that they had to keep their fitness and nutrition levels at an all time high, especially in lieu of injuries.  The team would have to play the remainder of the month shorthanded.

The month began with a series of big wins for the Marlboros.  With four straight victories over teams like the Flyers, Markham Majors as well as the Mississauga Reps, the team was feeling rather good about themselves.

Game five of December had the Marlboros face the Vaughan Kings. The puck flew back and forth with lightning speed and the Marlboros played very well, just not good enough to clinch a win.  With a minute left in the game and playing shorthanded, the Kings scored a goal to break the 1-1 tie leaving the Marlboros with their first loss of the season.

The team and Coach Gialedakis took some time to reflect on where they fell short and what they could have done differently and took the loss as a learning experience.  Their following two games resulted in big wins against the Rebels and Titans respectively.

Facing the Mississauga Reps in game 8 with 3 players out of the line up before the puck even dropped, the Marlboros knew they were going to have to play hard; and that they did.  Losing another forward and defenceman early in the game meant that the Marlboros would have 5 of the players out to compete.  It was a hard fought game but when the final buzzard sounded, the Marlboros suffered a 4-2 loss to the Reps and their 2nd loss of the season.

To wrap the season up, the Marlboros took part in the Jr. Canadiens Cup Tournament which was held at Westwood Arena.  Teams from northern Ontario, Michigan and western Ontario took part in what was to be an excellent stream of competition.

The Marlboros started the tournament strong despite playing with only 3 defencemen over the past three games.  The team played well making it into the finals to meet up with the top ranked London Knights. The final turned out to be a gamed filled with excitement and a lot of energy.  However, with a hard felt loss playing shorthanded, the Knights were victorious in claiming the big win.  (For more detail regarding this tournament, please read the Canadien cup story with a full recap of results).

The month was not all hockey.  December was filled with the spirit of giving to others, a trip to Drysdale Farm to cut down Christmas trees, some wins, losses and a lot of bonding.  The team was eager to move on and celebrate Christmas with their families and to rest up for the New Year.  With a lot of hockey ahead of them, the Marlboros along with their coach and parents had a little celebration in December and forged an even stronger bond.

Looking forward to the 2013 New Year to begin!  Good luck Marlies!!!!!