Mar 03, 2022 | Rich McNeil | 233 views
Gm#7 - SC Playoffs - Express win a heated contest vs the Rockets
The U15 Rep Squad sponsored by Louie's Pizza and Pasta hit the ice at the Madhouse on Mutual tonight for a heated affair with the Delhi Rockets, who beat us the last time we met 2-1. Our boys were looking for some revenge and to stay within striking distance of top spot in the round robin Southern County Playoffs. In net for the hometown Express was Jaxon Pinard, who hasn't played in a couple weeks, but you'd never know it after tonight's performance between the pipes.
It did not take long to realize what we were in for tonight. Defender Sam House was hit from behind into the boards by a Delhi forward. Fortunately House was able to get up on his own, but would not see the ice for the rest of the game. We would end up on an early powerplay as he was assessed a head contact penalty and a game misconduct for hitting from behind. Less than a minute later, Delhi would be given a cross checking penalty, giving the Express a two man advantage. With some great puck movement in the offensive zone, Eli North would be found at the side of the cage, and slid the puck in the wide open net to open the scoring. Josh Robles and Colton Macpherson were credited with the assists. Ingersoll pushed the pace of play for the balance of the period, but could not get another one passed the Delhi netminder and the period ended 1-0.
It would not take long for us to get a two goal advantage, as Josh Robles chipped out a loose puck by the Delhi defender and used his speed and hockey sense to create distance and got off a shot that beat the Rockets goalie. Delhi would get one back, as the Delhi forward caught the defense flat footed and got a step ahead of the play and released a shot that Jaxon had no chance of stopping, however that was the last puck that was getting by Pinard tonight, as he was very busy most of the period, stopping 13 of 14 in the second frame. The Express would head into the final 15 up 2-1.
Period three was a spirited affair as the Rockets attempted to intimidate the Express squad, but were unsuccessful, as Delhi would take a tripping penalty as Eli North was attempting an undressing of the entire Delhi team, but was taken down right at the last minute. Colton Macpherson would make sure Eli's moves would be rewarded as he gave us a two goal cushion again on the powerplay with helpers going to Jeremy Stiles and Robles, with his 3rd point of the game. Jeremy Stiles would seal the deal as an empty netter would give the Express a 4-1 win. There was some colourful language and some shenanigans to end the game, but that is Bantam hockey for you. It was the start of three in three, as we travel down the 403 to play the Wolf Pack tomorrow night. A team light skate, team breakfast at Louie's and an afternoon tilt Saturday in Aylmer will conclude a very busy few days for the boys. Best of luck Express. Great work as always!!