The Atom Mainstreet Sailors (1-6-0) concluded a busy weekend on Sunday morning with an away game against the division leading Kincardine Kinucks (7-0-1). Sunday’s game was the second of four against the Kinucks this season. The first game was a 15-1 loss for the Sailors. The Sailors were playing their third game in four days including a win Thursday over the Seaforth Stars and a close loss to Mitchell on Saturday.
The Sailors had a slow start in the first period resulting in the Kinucks opening up an. early lead The Kinucks came out aggressive and built a 5-0 lead in the period. Less than a minute into the game a Kincardine player was called for roughing giving the Sailors their first of four powerplay opportunities in the game. The Sailors were not able to generate any offence and gave up the first goal of the game with the man advantage.
Goderich played a strong second period holding the Kincardine offence to two goals, successfully killing off a penalty and scoring shorthanded. The Kinucks scored early in the period to extend their lead to 6-0. Just after the midway point in the period the Kinucks were assessed a holding penalty giving the Sailors a powerplay, but they could not score. Jared was called for a tripping penalty at 6:26 of the period and Sailors were aggressive on the penalty kill scoring on a drive to the net with thirty seconds left. The goal was scored by Gryffin, assisted by Mitchell and Jared. The Sailors continued the good play until late in the period when the Kinucks scored with less than a minute to play.
Action began in the third period with the Sailors trailing 7-1. Early in the period Wesley was called for an interference penalty after knocking down the Kinucks’ players in front of the net with the Kinucks pressing to extend their lead. The Sailors could not kill off the penalty with Kincardine scoring just over a minute into the penalty kill.
Less than two minutes later Kincardine scored again. On the play Jared was called for a slashing penalty sending the Sailors once again to the penalty kill. The Sailors were not able to kill off the penalty and with six seconds left in the powerplay the Kinucks scored to lead 10-1. Midway through the period Kincardine was called for a high sticking penalty. With the Sailors pressing for a goal, the Kinucks took a body contact penalty giving the Sailors a two-man advantage for forty seconds. The Sailors were not able to capitalise on the advantage. Kincardine added three more goals later in the period for a 13-1 final.
The Sailors played a strong game and were not intimated by the aggressive play of the Kinucks. They continue to battle for the puck along the boards and not give up. They continue to show signs of coming together and the potential to win games.
Next up for the Sailors is a much needed practice before another busy weekend with 3 games in four days. Goderich plays South Bruce (0-7-0) Saturday afternoon at home, then at South Bruce on Monday evening. Sunday afternoon the Sailors will again play the Kincardine Kinucks at home at the Memorial Arena.