The Ingersoll Carmeuse Lime Express Juvenile rep team came
up big on Saturday night as they defeated the Woolwich Wildcats 3-1 to take a
4-2 lead in points in their second round six point OMHA Juvenile Tier 1
playdown series.
Part of the success the Express have enjoyed in the post season has been quick starts to games as was the case on Saturday night as Parker Hodgson set up Austin Wallace for the game’s opening goal 1:30 into the first period. Woolwich would tie the game early in the second as the Wildcats would score 1:29 into the period. Despite good chances by both teams, the game would remain tied 1-1 after two periods.
This set up for an important and exciting third period and the teams did not disappoint as both teams provided an extremely entertaining period of hockey. With 10:16 remaining in the third period, Eric Savoie and Kyle Rachar would set up Carter Franklin who scored the go head goal to give the Express a 2-1 lead. From there on, the game would turn into a feisty affair with Woolwich being assessed 16 minutes in penalties and Ingersoll taking 14 minutes in penalties in the game’s final ten minutes. Given the importance of the game, there were certainly some tense moments for both teams in the final half of the third period. The Express would get a much needed insurance goal with 5:34 left in the period when Eric Savoie would set up Tanner Gray for a power play goal as his bomb from the blueline would find the back of the net. The Express would exhibit some strong defensive play the rest of the way to shut down the Wildcats and skate away with a 3-1 victory.
Head coach Ken Zegers was extremely happy with the victory and the effort given by the team. Zegers commented post game “Big win! Hard work from squad from top to bottom. Penalty kill was solid. Ryan Calder was solid between the pipes again, shutting the door when we we’re under a lot of pressure at times”.
The teams return to Elmira for game 4 on Sunday afternoon with game time at 4:30.