Ingersoll Brokerlink Atoms Win Southern County “A” Finals in OT Thriller versus Tillsonburg Tornadoes
On Sunday March 29th
in Six Nations, two OMHA Champions were set to play for the Southern Counties
League Championship. What a fitting way to end the season for these two
talented teams. The Tornadoes defeated Collingwood in three straight to capture
the OMHA BB title this season. Your Ingersoll Brokerlink Express Atom team
pummelled Kincardine in three straight games by a combined score of 28-4 to
capture the OMHA B crown. Tillsonburg could not solve Ingersoll this season in
three attempts. This game will be remembered for years to come as one of the most
exciting games ever in the history of Atom rep hockey.
Carter Spence received the start in goal for Ingersoll against the long-time Highway 19 rival Tornadoes and would play the first two periods. Jeremy Hardeman entered the game to start the third in relief of Spence. Tillsonburg brought their A game for the final and appeared to have a different plan than the three previous games played this season that all resulted in losses. Ingersoll’s Tye House recorded a hat trick in this final game of the season.
Tillsonburg opened the scoring midway through the first period of a tight checking game. Spence made the first save, but the rebound was tapped in for the Tornadoes. With a minute and a half left of the opening period, a Tornadoe player stole the puck at the Ingersoll blue line and ripped a wrist shot over the shoulder of Spence for a 2-0 Tillsonburg lead. Ingersoll would go on the power play near the end of the period that carried over to the second.
In the second, Tillsonburg was assessed another penalty early, giving Ingersoll a five on three advantage for almost a minute. The Tornadoes were able to kill off the penalties and remain up by two goals. Ingersoll would go back on the power play with just under ten to play in the period. Seth Hedges sent a rocket to the net that was tipped in by Gavin Bryant to cut the lead in half. House received an assist on the goal. Twenty seconds later, on a delayed penalty call on Tillsonburg, House tied the game with a wrister to the top corner. Tillsonburg continued with the physical play. One minute after the tying goal, Cohen Belore was kneed and Ingersoll went back to the power play but could not score. Spence made a number of great saves in the second for his team. Tillsonburg scored the go ahead goal while shorthanded with two minutes left in the middle frame.
Playing shorthanded to start the third, Hardeman entered the contest in relief of Spence and was tested immediately. Five minutes into the final period, Tillsonburg doubled the score to 4-2 when they netted a power play goal. As time continued to run down for the Ingersoll team, the hope that they could find a way did not. This was a resilient team, but as the clock wound down, one had to wonder if the team had it in them. Honestly and with no disrespect intended, this reporter closed the notebook when the announcer revealed the last minute of the game. Ingersoll called a timeout with: 39 seconds on the clock and pulled Hardeman for the extra attacker. The Tillsonburg coaches were seen giving and receiving high-fives and Tornadoe fans were beginning to celebrate. Ingersoll won the draw and immediately moved the puck to the Tillsonburg zone. From the scramble of players near the goal, Gavin Bryant had three whacks at the puck and it was in with only: 23 seconds left. Alex Schuett and House received assists on the goal. From the faceoff at center, again Ingersoll marched down to the Tillsonburg zone. Gavin Bryant controlled the puck down low and behind the net before sending a pass out front that was blasted into the net by House with only: 02.1 on the clock.
The Tillsonburg bench were stunned and their supporters turned silent as the Brokerlink Boys had tied the score to send the game to overtime. Hardeman returned to the net for overtime as the teams readied for the sudden death period. Hardy made two huge saves in the opening minute of OT. Just over two minutes later, Bryant swung around from behind the Tornadoe goal and fed House for a one-timer that beat the Tillsonburg tender. Schuett also received an assist on the winning goal. The Ingersoll bench emptied for the last time this season in one of the most entertaining games. This 5-4 OT victory by Ingersoll was a game for the ages and will be remembered by those in need of a reminder to not quit.
Owen Longlade, Tye House and Gavin Bryant pose with the banner after stunning
Tillsonburg 5-4 in OT of the Southern County Finals “A” Division Championship game
The 2014-2015 Atom “A” Southern County Champion
Ingersoll Brokerlink Express Team