Jan 11, 2014 | JRupert | 356 views
Express knocked out of Silver Stick
In a heartbreaker, the Glenda Pononby Ingersoll/Oxford Realty Ingersoll Express peewee team got knocked out of the International Silver Stick Finals on Saturday afternoon, losing to the rival Ayr Flames by a final score of 3-0. The score doesn't tell the story of the game though, which was a close, well played game by both teams.
The first period was anopportunity for the teams to get their first look at one another since their league game back in early October. The period ended the way it began, 0-0, and then it was time of the layoff again, as the ice was resurfaced between the first and second. The teams came back out for the second period, and it was much of the same, neither team having a lot of opportunity at the net. In the last 30 seconds of the period, Ayr was able to take the important 1-0 lead on an unfortunate shot that snuck through and crossed the line.
When the third period began, right off the opening faceoff Ayr put the puck on the Ingersoll net and crashed the net HARD, running into Ingersoll goalie Jayden Purdy who had covered the puck. The result was a two minute penalty for Ayr, but more importantly Purdy was hurt. After a few minute delay on the ice, a wobbly Purdy was able to skate off the ice under his own power but a little aid for balance. It was up to Logan White to come in and hold the fort cold, and he did a great job. During the short handed opportunity, Ayr got the puck from behind the net and wrapped it around, getting a fortunate bounce off the defenceman's skate causing the puck to change directions at the last second and catch the inside of the post. Ingersoll continued to battle, but just couldn't find the back of the net this game. Late in the third on a rush off the left wing, Ayr's top scorer and captain brought the puck in and slid it between White's legs to put the icing on the cake. Final score, Ayr 3, Ingersoll 0. This knocks the team out of contention for the tournament, sending the guys home with great memories but a sour taste in their mouth, knowing that they could have won either of the last two games.