Dec 06, 2019 | Rich McNeil | 115 views
The Boys Deserved Better Game 1 Silver Stick
Friday Morning 8am, that was the draw we received to start our journey this weekend. Our opponents from Mount Brydges were ready to go, and we knew this would not be a game to take lightly. Ben Baker got the call between the pipes as we lined up for puck drop after a slight delay as one of the referees was a tad late for the game.
It did not take long for us to enjoy a power play as the Cougars headed to the box on 13 seconds in after a body contact call. Great puck movement by Cole McNeil and Ethan Kish set up some glorious opportunities, including a post, but we could not capitalize on the man advantage. Shortly after the penalty expired a loose puck in front of Baker eluded him and the Cougars took full advantage and took a one goal lead at the 7:08 mark. With Mount Brydges again in the sin bin for too many men on the ice, Ryan Condotta fired a shot on goal, and even though the goalie made the initial save, a juicy rebound was buried by Alex Stratton tied this contest up at 1-1. A couple more posts in the period, but nothing that tickled the twine and the we went into the second period still tied.
After we switched ends we continued to mount pressure and get pucks to the net, but it was apparent that the Cougars goaltender was on his game, and it was going to take something special to get one by him. Even though we were the stronger of the two squads after two, we were still knotted at 1, going into the final frame.
The third period began and Ingersoll continued to pour on the pressure, but some great looks did not amount to goals. With 3:37 left, Ethan Kish took an unfortunate tripping call, leaving the Express a man down. The boys did a great job keeping the puck out of our zone, but Mount Brydges gained the zone, and as Ethan stepped back on the ice, a puck slid over to a wide open Cougar forward who buried a perfect shot past Baker, who had no chance on the play. With 1:32 left, Coach Belore pulled the netminder and the Express did everything they could to get the equilizer, but just could not get the bounce they truly deserved. The game ended with a 2-1 loss. This makes the road more difficult, but far from impossible as this team never quits. Get your rest boys, we have a big game at 2pm vs Midland. All aboard the Express Train!!