Jan 17, 2015 | wbarker | 878 views
The Play-Offs-R-On
We had a good start to our play-off season with OJ setting the pace early in the first period with a big hit right off the start. This game started fast and physical and this continued throughout the game, with a total of 34 penalty minutes between the two teams!
Chopper was the next Predator to set the pace scoring 4 minutes into the first period, assisted by Wade and Riley. Jonny made sure our visiting trainer felt welcomed when he went down in the first, but recovered quickly and was able to continue for the rest of the game.
A hit from behind resulted in a West Grey player being evicted from the game, luckily our player wasn't hurt.
An awkward line change was the result of the first fluky goal against the predators right from the blue line. The boys were playing well as a team with some really good passing happening by the end of the first period. Unfortunately, there was an awful lot of traffic around our net and West Grey had another goal roll by everyone and across the goal line. The period ended with a score of 2-1 for West Grey.
During the second period, Earl got a beauty goal from the blue line, although the game sheet said it was scored by Fitz, and assisted by Earl and Josh. Regardless, I think you should all be mentioned for your awesome effort! . Ethan, you were a very physical presence out there, good job! Nic was hard on the back check, having impressive speed and tenacity! Both teams were on edge with tempers sometimes barely being kept in check. At the end of the second period the score was now 2-4.
All predators were on their game for the third period, holding West Grey down to stay at their 4 goals. Although they did have a short-handed goal that was waved off. Chopper scored another for us and almost had a hat-trick! For a time, we did have a 3 on 5 advantage, but West Grey was able to hold us off. At one point, Brennan was on his way to the bench, giving us a man advantage, when he noticed the puck coming back to our end and was able to get turned around and back to his net in time! Nice hustle. Coach Shane called a time-out with 1.25 minutes remaining in the game, unfortunately the strategy they discussed didn't provide the result needed for a tie. The game ended with West Grey winning 4-3.
We are heading to Ayton on Monday night to face this team once again. Keep up the strong effort and team work, and STAY OUT OF THE BOX!!! Let them get the penalties and then we can capitalize on their lack of control! Good luck boys, you've all got the skills, drive and passion required!