The Mainstreet Atom Rep Team played their most complete game
of the season on Halloween even with the result being a 9-1 loss to the
Mitchell Meteors. The Sailors came out flying
on Saturday afternoon in their first away game of the season against the
Meteors.
The Sailors first encounter with the Meteors this season was a pre-season exhibition game. After losing their season opener against the Kincardine Kinucks, Mitchell has won three straight and promised to be a difficult test for the Sailors. Saturday’s game was also a preview of the Sailors’ tournament next weekend.
Goderich had an early chance with a breakaway by Iain, but could not open the scoring. The strong play by the Sailors led to a hooking penalty giving them the first powerplay opportunity of the game. Goderich was unable to capitalise on the advantage and with the penalty expiring the Meteors opened the scoring. The Meteor player sent the puck towards the net from the corner along the goal line hitting Kellen’s skate and redirecting into the net.
Less than a minute later the Sailors returned to the powerplay on a penalty for contact to the head. Again the Sailors were not able to score, but shortly after the penalty ended Iain tied the game on a scramble in front of the Meteor’s net. With time winding down, a faceoff to the left of the Sailors net was won by Iain, but the puck ended up on the stick of a Meteor forward and into the back of the net. The period ended with the Sailors trailing 2-1.
With play just underway in the second period the Meteors took a tripping penalty allowing the Sailors to continue their strong play battling hard for the puck. They had some good chances, but could not score to tie the game. The Meteors were able to extend their lead midway through the period. In the final minute of the period, Austin was called for tripping sending the Sailors to the penalty kill for the first and only time in the game. The boys were able to kill off the penalty.
Kellen turned the net over to John with the Sailors down 3-1 and after playing two solid periods in net. The Meteors took control of the game in the third period out shooting the Sailors and scoring six times including a shorthanded goal. The Meteors continued their aggressive play taking two tripping penalties in the third period. Goderich a late chance on a rebound off a shot from Wesley, but the puck was just out of Austin’s reach.
For the first time this season the Sailors did not give up an early goal and had a strong start to the game. The boys seemed energized by the crowd as they worked hard keeping themselves in the game until late in the third period digging along the boards, good team play and some nice passing.
Next up for the Sailors is their home tournament November 6-8. The Atom Sailors first game is Friday night at 7:00pm against the Blyth/Brussels Crusaders. Good Luck Sailors!