Mar 03, 2015 | Scott Bjaanes | 802 views
Finding Ways to Win!
The boys found ways to win and kept their unbeaten playoff run going.
The team had tough test over the weekend playing teams within the division but prevailed with wins over Midland and Elmvale.
Saturday the team faced Midland and home and got off to a sluggish start falling behind 1-0 30 seconds into the game. Despite not having their "A" game, Oro was able to keep the game close through the rest of the first period. The second period saw the teams battle with few scoring chances until midway through the period when Midland added to their lead. With Midland pressing they scored a third goal 45 seconds later and Oro found themselves in a deep hole heading into the 3rd period.
through the first five minutes of the 3rd it appeared Oro just didn't have it; despite their efforts the boys weren't generating much offence and weren't getting the bounces either. In a final push, Owen L who was having a great game on defence was moved up front and found instant chemistry with Will G. A great pass from Owen L set lead to the first goal. That play instantly energized the rest of the team and the push was on. A few minutes later Blake B tucked in a loose puck and suddenly we were within 1! Shortly after that the tandem of Owen L and Will G stuck again and the game was tied with just under 5 minutes to play. The momentum had clearly swing in our favour and all the action was in the Midland zone. Brett G scored what proved to be the game winner, proving that hard work and putting the puck on net is a great combination when he sled a shot from the side boards past the Midland goalie. Keon S, who continues his strong 2 way play put the game away when he converted a pass from Keith G into the empty net. The leadership of Owen L, our captain Caelan G and assistant Troy V along with the play of all the boys over the last 9 minutes was amazing and proved you never give up until the final buzzer!
Sunday we traveled to Elmvale to play the other remaining undefeated team in our playoff pool. With an emphasis on a fast start we unfortunately found ourselves behind earlier when Elmvale was able to squeak one past Graydon G on a breakaway 46 seconds into the game. Despite the early deficit the team was much better prepared on Sunday and Blake B was tied the score midway through the period. One minute later Elmvale scored again to take a 2-1 lead into the second period. In the second it was our turn to score early when Owen L, continuing his strong play grabbed the puck outside the Elmvale blueline and worked his way to the net a scored on a nifty backhand deke. With 30 seconds remaining in the period, Troy V scored on a pass from Alfie B to give the team the first lead of the game. The third period saw Oro carry the play, Elmvale wasn't able to generate any scoring opportunities and when they did get near the net Graydon B shut the door. Once again the defensive core of Caelan G, Owen L, Alfie B, Sam F and Jordan H and Graydon B played exceptionally. Despite not adding goals Will G was flying and the line of Keon S, Blake B and Keith G were awesome.
We look forward to continued strong play as we finish off the round robin portion of the playoffs with games Friday, Saturday and Sunday.