Nov 15, 2014 | goldfield | 208 views
Proud Tie in Stayner
Thunder were on the road to face the Division leading Cyclones today in our first match of three this season
The team was prepared to bring their A game for this contest and shot out of the gate with gusto.
First thing we noticed was the fast ice..pucks we are used to pushing forward were sliding out of reach with incredibly slick surface which stymied numerous rushes.
Oro got on the board late first on a confusing tip over the Stayner tender
Owen went to the net,stick on ice and got credit (says it wasn't him..but good things happen when....) on a shot by Chase who picked up the apple.
Stayner roared back and ripped a short side bullet to tie the game at period's end
The game was chippy from the outset,and the refs decided to "let them play"
It was unwise.
Late spears/whacks on Justin's glove were not called and things escalated to a nasty scrum late second where we saw punches and crosschecks to unsuspecting players.
Coaches were not pleased and a head injury resulted.
I had written about this last year,but there is no place for intentional injurious play in our league and it is both the official's and coach's foremost responsibility to be sure and keep the game safe by enforcing the game rules (and presumably bench rules) to their fullest under such circumstances.
This was not done today.
A 5-3 powerplay was the result for our team and while we moved the puck well and had some glorious chances/ wicked point shots,the puck wouldn't find twine.
Oro controlled the tempo much of this period and outchanced their opponent, but we didn't drive the net for rebounds as well as required.
Third period and we exchanged chances.
Ty kept the puck in and shot from the point where Ben found Doogie who brought the crowd to its feet with a post in, seeing eye wrister that gave us the lead with under 8 minutes to go.
Justin had a whale of a game.
We warned him before game he would be tested and Stayner did just that.
He stopped a clear cut breakaway reading the deke to move laterally and shut the door,used his quick glove to snag hard slot chances and was controlling rebounds/smothering the puck like a pro
Awesome job Justin Time and player of the game honours!
Sadly the hockey gods didn't smile on us late game.
With under 3 to go, a fluky high slot deflection went 10 feet in the air to leapfrog Justin properly positioned high crease to drop into the empty cage.
Well played by both defender and Justin and sometimes stuff just happens
Try as we may to take the lead back,it wasn't meant to be and the game ended again with more nastiness
Told the boys post game how impressive of them keeping their cool throughout this match.
We asked them not to retaliate and despite frustrations....that's precisely what they did to a man.
But winning on the scoreboard is always the best medicine..and that's exactly what we intend to do next time around.
Proud of you boys
Final Oro 2-Stayner 2