The opening game of a home and home series between the
Simcoe Warriors and Ingersoll Express Bantam AE Rep squad was highly contested,
fast paced, hard hitting and did not disappoint many spectators Monday night at
the Ingersoll Memorial Arena.
With all gate proceeds going to “Think Pink at the Rink”
to support Breast Cancer, the home side came up short 2-1 to the visiting
Warriors.
Both teams came out of the gate strong with plenty of end to end action generating multiple opportunities. Express goalie Greg Doyle was steady early on, and throughout the game, handling most Simcoe shots with excellent rebound control. The home side jumped on the strong start from Doyle and took the lead with 8:39 left in the first period on a goal by Centerman Evan Wade.
Evan and Ben apply pressure in Warriors end. This would lead to the only Express Goal.
Wade and his linemates, Ben Scott and Tyler Bergman generated a series of chances against the Warriors goalie with Wade finally capitalizing on a loose puck in the goalmouth and putting it past the Simcoe netminder. Scott and Bergman both drew assists on the goal.
The Warriors tied the game up with 4:00 left after the Express lost a defensive zone draw that saw the Warriors winger get loose in front of the net and beat Doyle with a wrist shot. The home team would get a late period powerplay when the Warriors took an interference penalty with 0:24 left in the opening period.
Cam leads the defensive zone breakout.
The Express failed to capitalize on their only powerplay of the game and shortly after the penalty ended the Warriors would score the eventual game winning goal with 12:57 left in the second period. Again the Express would lose a defensive zone faceoff. The Warriors drew the puck back to the defense and a ducking wrist shot went through a screen of four players in front of Doyle and found the back of the net.
Both teams would continue with the fast paced end to end action, with each team controlling play at different times. Doyle kept the Warriors shooters frustrated with his positioning and rebound control throughout the rest of the game.
Greg with the save! Tyler clearing the front!
The last opportunity for the home side came in the final couple of minutes of the game with Doyle on the bench for an extra attacker. The Warriors managed to hold off the Express attack and a late Ingersoll penalty allowed the visitors to leave Ingersoll with the victory.
The second game of the home and home series is Wednesday Oct. 18 in Simcoe. Game time 8:15.
Game Stats:
Goals: Evan (1)
Assists: Ben (1), Tyler (1)
Power Play: 0 for 1
Penalty Kill: 2 for 2
Penalties: Simcoe (4 minutes); Ingersoll (6 minutes)