Last night, the Oxford Chiropractic Atom Reps traveled to Newhamburg for game1 of a preliminary series for OMHA playdowns. The Express playing there sixth game in as many nights had some wondering if there was any gas left in the tank.
The first period started nervously on both sides and was for the most part a defensive battle with some close chances on either side and a lone power play for the hometown Huskies. Both goalies seemed to be cool as cucumbers stopping anything that was coming there way. The score after one period was 0-0.
In the second period, things began to open up more as the teams seem to be more comfortable on the ice. The parents on the other hand got louder as the game went on even though the sound of the twine bulging couldn’t be heard. Noah Robinson, the Ingersoll keeper was playing steady as a rock, covering many loose pucks, controlling his rebounds, frustrating the Huskies again and again. Unfortunately, a bad draw in our end with 3:27 remaining, led to a screened shot from the point and a goal for the starving Huskies. The wave of clappers and sirens that Newhamburg fans are noted for came out. The 2nd period ended 1-0 for the Huskies.
The 3rd period started in Ingersoll’s favor with a 2 man advantage for well over a minute. The Huskie penalty kill was up to the task and a frustrated Ingersoll team couldn’t really seem to get anything going. Finally, at the 10:06 mark, with everybody driving to the net, Max Racicot picked up a rebound and made no mistake in putting the puck past a sprawling keeper. The score was now 1-1, and the Ingersoll wave of thunder sticks, horns, and cheers could finally be heard as well. The momentum at that time seemed to be changing in our favor, but as the period went on you could tell Ingersoll was starting to get tired. The Huskies passed the puck very well along there blue line which kept us hopping from side to side trying to cut down the shooting lanes. A shot in on net led to a couple of 2nd and 3rd chances and the determined Huskie team battled for the go ahead goal at the 4:54 mark of the period.
As time wound down, we stuck our extra attacker out with the goalie pulled to try and even things up and hope for some Canadian World Junior magic. It wasn’t team Canada’s night against the U.S.A. and it wasn’t ours either. The game ended with the Huskies taking it 2-1.
It was a good game to watch and hopefully the odds will be in our favor when we play them on our ice for game 2. I could keep writing cliche after cliche but all I can say is, keep up the effort, keep your feet moving, and shoot that puck more. Oh yeah, follow your shots!! Ok, I’ll stop now... Keep up the great work Noah between the pipes!! Make sure you all eat your vitamins and say your prayers, as the Hulkster would say. See you all Thursday night for game 2..