On Jan 26th, the Port Stanley Jr Sailors LL2 team hosted the Aylmer Flames LL2 team. The Jr Sailors had to face the 2nd place Flames a little short-handed, as key players Liam Hepburn & Kayla Benwell we missing for the afternoon game. Port Stanley was looking to continue their season-best 6 game winning streak, but the Aylmer Flames LL2 were looking to avenge a 4-1 loss on Jan 13th. Despite missing a couple of key members of the team, the Jr Sailors put up a strong fight, but it wasn’t enough to get over the hump in an eventual 5-3 loss to end the streak
The game’s goals came fast and furious to start the game, as Aylmer scored on a goal-mouth scramble to open a 1-0 lead in the first shift. The next shift saw Ryan Meth convert a setup by Luke Ainsworth and Steven Calles to tie the game 1-1. The very next shift saw Aylmer retake the lead as they scored again to take a 2-1 lead. Only a couple of minutes later, Jess Szusz pinched in from the point and took a pass from Nate Carmichael to score on a nice wristshot to tie the game 2-2.
The 2nd period started with Jack Lorch keeping the game tied 2-2 with a big save early in the frame. But, a couple of minutes later a breakdown at the offensive blueline lead to an Aylmer breakaway goal for a 3-2 lead. A little over 2mins later, the Aylmer Flames crashed the net hard, springing free a loose puck that found its way into the net for a 4-2 Aylmer lead. The Jr Sailors continued to battle, as goalie Jack made huge consecutive saves that gave Port Stanley a boost they needed. Ryan Meth then picked up a free puck and buried a hard shot to cut the lead to 4-3 with his 2nd of the game.
The third period saw the Jr Sailors give up 1 more goal to Aylmer, as they just didn’t have enough energy to keep up with the speedy Aylmer defenseman. The already short-staff squad also saw their chances at a comeback deflated as key Blueline Crew member Jess Szusz was assessed a hitting-from-behind penalty and game misconduct. Unfortunately, now missing 3 key players, the Jr Sailors just weren’t able to sustain a consistent attack to cut into the lead, and the game ended in a disappointing 5-3 loss.
The Jr Sailors need to pull up their socks, and get back to work as they face a strong Lambeth Lancers team the very next game. They will welcome back key centreman Liam Hepburn, and Blueline Crew member Kayla Benwell, and hope that they can help to overcome the loss of Jess Szusz for this next game.