Jan 19, 2013 | mdaer | 1103 views
Redemption
On Jan 19th, the Peewee LL2 team hosted the Port Stanley LL1 team in game 2 of the season's 2-game series. Having lost the first matchup 1-0 on Dec 30th on a fluky own-goal, the Jr Sailors LL2 team were looking to put their stamp on the 2nd game. The Port Stanley LL2 played a strong and smart physical game, and out skated the LL1 team on route to an impressive 3-1 "redemption" victory.
The game didn't start well for the LL2 team, as early in the game a poor clearing attempt saw the LL1 team draw first blood. But, that unstoppable shot was all that goalie, Jack Lorch, was going let in on this day. He shut the door the rest of the way to anchor a strong defensive effort by the team.
Early in the 2nd period, a strong forecheck by the forwards caused the puck to spring loose in front of the net, and Liam Hepburn buried his shot to tie the game 1-1. Only a few minutes later, another strong forecheck from Evan Spangenberg resulted in a weak clearing attempt by the LL1 team. Pernell Pasch, who was a monster all game for LL2, corralled the clearing attempt and found sniper Ryan Meth alone in front of the net for a 2-1 lead. However, the strong period of play in the 2nd did not end well for the LL2 team, as key centreman Liam Hepburn was given an unfortunate game misconduct when he accidently hit a LL1 player from behind.
Down a key member of the team with the final 15mins ahead of them, and a slim 2-1 lead, the Jr Sailors needed to dig deep and step-up their play, and the team did just that. Jess Szusz, moving up from his usual spot with Blueline Crew to play forward, was a strong physical presence in all 3 zones of the ice, and the team rallied around his strong play. In particular, Pernell Pasch was a strong physical presence for the team, and when combined with tremendous play of the rest of the defense of Kayla Benwell, Morgan Palmer, and Wesley Geerlinks, the LL1 chances were minimal. In the final 2mins, a bad line change by the LL1 team resulted in a Power Play for LL2. While on the PP, the team LL1 decided to pull the goalie as they entered the LL2 zone. However, an outstanding poke check by Wesley Geerlinks freed the puck for Ryan Meth who passed it head to Luke Ainsworth. Luke, battling 1-on-1 with a LL1 defender, made an amazing diving poke at the puck to slide it into the open net and nail the game shut with a 3-1 lead in the final minute. It was a fitting end of the game for Luke, as he played one of his finest games of the season.
Luke's play epitomized the strong work-ethic of the LL2 team for this game. A work ethic that saw the team out-battle a bigger and stronger team for the victory. This work ethic will be tested in the next game as they take on a 2nd place Aylmer 2 team without two key members of the team. In addition to their absence, the team says goodbye to 'Frank and Beans' as Coach Frank and Wesley Geerlinks take their talents to Little Britain, near Lindsay.