After 3 playoff games, our Bantam LL1 team finally gained
our first win and two points in the playoff standings after an exhilarating home
game vs. the visiting Hespeler Shamrocks 2.
Before tonight’s game we had played Hespeler twice in
Cambridge with the first, unreported, game resulting in a win for Paris while
the second game was a win for Cambridge.
As such, both teams knew that this game was up for grabs for either
team; however, a win would not come easy to either team, this meant earning
every goal and making every possible save, this proved to be very taxing on
every player on each team.
Before the start of the game we had a quick change in the lineup, that required the call up of our strong and loyal AP player, Liam Gaukel, #5 to our team for the ailing Austin Koehler, #8. Liam Gaukel assumed defense position, enabling Jack to move up to 2nd line to play with Spencer and Evan Shipp.
With good spirits and optimism our boys took to the ice, before our home audience, to determine if home ice would have any advantage against our Hespeler Shamrocks 2 rivals, whom we have only played against in Cambridge. After a strong warm up our players retreated to the bench for a final pep talk by coaches before the scoreboard horn sounded. By the sound of our players’ howl of Wolfpack, it was clear that our players were focused on a win.
Ethan lead out our team, as always, to shake hands with our Cambridge hockey friends in a display of great sportsmanship from both teams.
Gavin, Braden and Owen took the first puck drop to start our game and it was certain that they wanted to set the pace and control of the game for our Wolfpack, while Liam Gaukel and Eli offered strong support on the defensive line. Quick changes in lines were answered by our second forward line with Evan Shipp, Spencer and Jack and Liam McAlister and Evan Scott baring down on our defense line.
Our team’s hard effort was rewarded with Gavin claiming the first goal of the game in the first period with just over 3 minutes of remaining play before the end of the period. Ethan, sporting some new sparkling white pads, was responsible for some ‘Crozierlicious’ saves all night.
Early into the 2nd period, our trio of Gavin, Braden and Owen worked well together and claimed our team’s second goal of the night with a goal from Braden ‘Clarketastic’ assisted by Gavin ‘Pakulistupendous’ and close support with Owen ‘Novakcellent’
Our defence were strong all game, just ask Evan who broke his stick in the process of playing his ‘Scottawesome’ never giving up style of play. Shelley, Evan’s mom promised him his choice of any replacement hockey stick, in reward to his outstanding play ~ choose a Bauer Nexus at just $319.00, it’s a deal, you deserve nothing less. His defensive partner Liam with his fast hands was responsible for some ‘McAmazingAlister’ passes to our awaiting forwards.
Our third period was the best start of all periods with Jack ‘Kraemerific’ rushing up for a quick goal in less than half a minute showing on the clock, that was assisted by Spencer ‘Noseworthysupreme’ and Evan ‘Shipperb’.
The games intensity doubled in the 3rd period as the aggression in the game rose, which was carefully monitored and dealt with by our officials, seeing both teams attain a combined total of 16 minutes in penalties. This made waiting for the game sheet, at the conclusion of the game, back in our dressing room, very unsettling; fortunately, no players on either team were suspended for their chirping or behavior, which was a relief to all, as we need all players available for our next playoff games.
Our Paris team was the first to land ourselves in the ‘confession’ penalty box with a hooking call by our AP player Liam, to our surprise when I screamed out to our dismay ‘GreatGaukel’. Liam upon returning to play made up for his keep by offering two goal assists and was responsible for closing down any opponents within 10 feet of our goaltenders crease. What Liam didn’t have covered on his side we were certain and grateful for Eli ‘Stowextreme’ to control on his side of the ice and he took some pounding from opponents in protection and control of our puck.
Fortunately, for our team the third period wasn’t all about bumps and hits, as we saw our team total four goals to clench our win. Congratulations to Gavin for earning a ‘hat trick’ along with two assists and Braden for scoring two goals and an assist.
With the game we just had our team is confident going into our next playoff game on Monday, Feb 8/16 at 8:15pm in Paris vs. Ayr Flames. Not before we are able to have one good, long awaited, needed practice on Sunday, Feb. 7/16 at 1:30pm.
Update on our next tournament, Syl Apps Memorial Touranment (April 1-3/16), our first game will be on Friday, April 1/16 at 4:00pm, our team is in Pool A with East Lambton, Minto and Ayr, all teams that have similar regular season standings as we do.
See you at the rink!
Kevin