BrokerLink Atom Reps feel the THRILL of Victory...
...and the AGONY of defeat :(
Playoffs are characteristically filled with highs and lows, and this week was no exception for the BrokerLink Atom Reps.
Coming off an exciting victory over Six Nations last Sunday, the Express travelled to Tavistock Tuesday for Game #1 of their OMHA playdowns. The play was tentative in the first period, each team trying to feel the other out and afraid to make a mistake that would give up the opening goal. There were chances at both ends, but neither team could put the puck in the net and the period ended with no scoring.
Early in the 2nd period Ingersoll opened the scoring with a nifty pass from behind the net, but did not hold the lead for long as the Titans evened the scoring less than a minute later. Each team managed to put another goal on the scoreboard in the 2nd, and with a scoreless 3rd period and a scoreless overtime period, Game #1 ended in a 2-2 tie. Good work Express.
The highlight of the week came on our road-trip to Wellesley with a thrilling playoff match against the Twin Centre Stars. Our previous meeting with the Stars back in November ended in a tie, so our team was ready to step it up and prove they could take home a win. This game was exciting from the start, with plenty of action at both ends. The first period ended in a scoreless draw, and as the teams lined up for the opening faceoff of the 2nd, you could almost see the tension and excitment building among the players.
Second period action seemed more intense than the first, with the play starting to get rougher and rougher as the clock ticked on. Both teams took turns in the penalty box, and Twin Centre managed to find the back of the Express net, taking a 1-0 lead. Ingersoll was not to be discouraged though, and continued with pressure and hard work, shutting down any more chances to let the game slip away. Score after 2nd, 1-0 Twin Centre.
The 3rd period was the turning point. The intensity and frustration were evident as Ingersoll found themselves in the penalty box over and over, and even fans were getting rowdy. But the Express were on their game, demonstrating great passing, skating and shooting as well as awesome defensive play in our own end. Unwilling to let this game slip through their hands, the Ingersoll squad scored 3 unanswered goals in the 3rd and felt the thrill of another great playoff win! Final score 3-1 Express. Amazing effort guys & gal!!
And as sometimes happens when coming off a great game, you can hit a bit of a low point, where all you can do is learn from your mistakes and move on...that's what happened Sunday in OWHA Game #2 vs the Tavistock Titans. The Titans scored in the first minute of the game and kept it going from there. Ingersoll, on the other hand, just could not get anything going. The Express managed to get on the scoreboard with a goal in the 3rd, but by then it was too late for a comback, and Tavistock handily took the win in Game #2. Good try Express - we'll get 'em NEXT TIME!!! Next time is Thursday January 17th @ 7pm in Ingersoll. Come out and cheer the Atom Reps on to victory!