Jan 14, 2015 | Sheri Peet | 605 views
Atom Hyundai AE head into playoffs
Hockey’s second season began for the Atom AE Hyundai Sailors on Sunday with Game 1 of the OMHA playdown series against the Wingham Ironmen AE team. Friday’s scheduled regular season finale in Goderich against the Ironmen was cancelled due to weather. With the cancellation, the Ironmen won the season series 3-0.
The Sailors once again came out strong in the first period hemming the Ironmen in their own zone early. After several good chances, Spencer opened the scoring on a goal assisted by Chris. However, they found themselves on the penalty kill less than a minute later. The Sailors continued to press despite being a player short and successfully killed off the slashing penalty to Cameron.
On the following rush Wingham tied the game. Goderich would regain the lead before the end of the period on a scramble in front of the Wingham net. Several Sailors touched the puck before it reached the back of the net. The official scoring credited the goal to Jordan, but the puck went into the net off Justin’s stick.
The Sailor’s dominated the Ironmen in the second period with strong forechecking and defensive play. They added to their lead early in the second period on a goal by Wesley assisted by Cameron. Wesley goal came on a partial break along the right wing with a quick shot off the right post along the crossbar and in the net. Less than a minute later Kaelan got tangled up with the Wingham player behind their net and was called for an interference penalty. The boys killed off the penalty not allowing the Ironmen any good chances. Before the end of the period the Sailors’ would get their own powerplay opportunity with a Wingham player being sent off for a hooking penalty.
The Sailors took a two goal lead into the third period, but a tripping penalty to Chris meant they had to begin the period on the penalty kill. The boys managed to kill off the penalty, but were not able to regain control of the play leading to Wingham cutting the lead to one The Sailors would answer back on a goal by Spencer, assisted by Chris. Goderich led 4-2 midway through the third period. Wingham again cut the lead to a goal and began to press resulting in their second penalty of the game. The Sailors struggled on the powerplay with the Wingham player in the penalty box for tripping. After successfully killing off the penalty Wingham scored to tie the game 4-4.
The teams continued to trade chances. A partial breakaway was stopped by Noah with a diving stick check, but a penalty was called on the play. The Sailors ended the period on the penalty kill which carried over into overtime. Second after the penalty expired Jordan was called for tripping putting the boys back on the penalty kill. They again successfully killed off the penalty, but at the midway mark of the overtime period the Ironmen scored ending the game.
Despite the loss, there were many positives in the game. The boys continued the strong play in the offensive zone scoring four times by three different players. Kellen had a good game in net making several difficult saves. Noah had a strong game on defence and Spencer played well on defence killing penalties helping the Sailor to a perfect 5 for 5 on the PK.
Next up is Game 2 of the series in Goderich on Friday night. If needed, game 3 will also be in Goderich on Saturday night.
Article Credits to Jim Sherratt