The Mainstreet Credit Union Atom Rep Team lost to BCH Ice
Dogs in a rare weeknight game. Thursday’s
game at the Maitland Recreation Centre against the Ice Dogs was an 8-1 loss.
For the third game in a row the Sailors gave up an early lead and found themselves trying to catch up. BCH scored 22 seconds into the game and followed with two more quick goals. Just over a minute into the period, BCH was called for a tripping penalty. Despite the man advantage, less than two minutes into the game Goderich found themselves down 3-0 on two shorthanded goals. Following a rocky start, the Sailors were able to hold BCH off the board until late in the second period.
The Sailors opened the second period with a strong effort at both ends of the ice. Goderich had some good chances but were not able to cut into the BCH lead. With BCH attacking Austin was called for slashing. The penalty kill lasted only 11 seconds with BCH scored to lead 4-0. With less than a minute to play BCH added to their lead. As the second period ended Iain got a good scoring chance cutting across in front of the net, but missed wide left. The period ended with the Sailors trailing 5-0.
The Sailors played one of their best periods of hockey this season in the third period. BCH was penalised three times in the third period allowing the Sailors to press for their first goal of the game. Wesley had a good chance coming around the corner of the boards and cutting out in front of the net, but could not beat the Ice Dogs netminder. Griffin, Caeleb and Aiden also had chances in the third. Wyatt and Austin had some good defensive plays as well in the period.
BCH added three goals to their lead before the Sailors got on the scoreboard. With just over two minutes remaining the Sailors were pressing and a scramble in front of the net lead to Graham scoring, assisted by Iain and Justin, the Sailors only goal of the game. Justin’s shot was blocked by the BCH goalie, but the rebound by Graham was able to slip out of the goalie’s glove and find the back of the net.
Despite the three game losing streak, the Mainstreet Sailors continue to show signs of good things to come. The boys continue to show their quickness and are becoming more consistent. They continue to work on positioning and keeping the opposition forwards to the outside and are showing a willingness to dig for the puck along the boards. The little things like being strong on the stick, keeping the stick on the ice and protecting the puck also continue to improve. They are also starting to be more familiar with each other and are beginning to know where to find their linemates on the ice.
The boys are off this weekend with some time to practice and prepare a very busy schedule beginning next weekend. They play next on Halloween in Mitchell against the Meteors.