Jan 12, 2015 | jrupert | 1016 views
Peewee Express win OMHA Playoff Game 1
The Ponting Financial Group Ingersoll Express Peewee Rep team won their OMHA first round opener over the Paris Wolfpack on Sunday night by a score of 4-2. The game was set to be a great matchup, with Paris being the first team to beat this Express team in two seasons during regular season play. Not only did the Express team want to gain the advantage in the playoff series, but it was also a chance to show Paris that they didn't see a true representation of the team when they played in December.
The game started off as a close checking match, with the teams going back and forth, trading scoring opportunities. Ingersoll struck first on a goal by AP player Gavin Bryant, who was able to bang home a loose puck in front of the Paris net. The lead didn't last long however, as Paris tied the game back up later in the first period. After the buzzer, it was 1-1.
The second period was much the same as the first, with Ingersoll getting a number of chances but unable to beat the Paris netminder. Midway through the period though Ingersoll's potent power play unit got an opportunity to go to work after a Paris penalty, and within 20 seconds of the draw on a pass out by Daytn Racicot from beneath the goal line Brennan Rupert slid the puck through the five hole and put the team back in front. That's how it stood after 2.
The third started off with Ingersoll gaining some insurance as Joel Verspeeten was able to put the puck home on a nice feed to the slot, giving Ingersoll a little breathing room. From then on it was time for the team to go to work defensively, trying to hold on to rather than build the lead. Paris however had other plans, and was able to put another one past goaltender Logan White, to get back within one. But it was a too little, too late, as Paris pulled their goalie to go for the tie with the extra attacker, and instead saw Ingersoll's Bryant get his second of the night as he gained the centre line and slid the puck down the ice and into the middle of the net.
Ingersoll next plays on Thursday, January 15 when they host the Simcoe Warriors in Southern Counties playoff action at 8:15 pm. The team's next OMHA playoff game occurs when they travel back to Paris on Friday, January 23 for a 7:00 pm start.