BantamA/E Storm W.O.A.A. Champions By Ryan Lamont
The Bruce County Physiotherapy/Lakeshore Recreation Bantam A/E Storm finished up their WOAA Finals with Goderich on the weekend.
Game 1 of the Series was last Saturday in Goderich. The Storm found themselves down 1-0 less than one minute into the game after having a bad bounce end up in the Storm net. The Storm produced many chances to tie the game but were unable to produce a goal. The score remained 1-0 after the first period. Early in the second period, Ryan Crosetta passed the puck back to Justin Lamont at the point. Justin Greig put in the rebound off of the intial shot. Saugeen Shores had many other scoring chances to grab the lead but were unable to capitalize. David McGinnis made great saves for the Storm to keep the game tied at one. After two periods the score was still tied 1-1. End to end action to start off the third gave both teams good scoring chances. Midway through the third period, Crosetta won a puck battle in the Goderich zone and passed the puck to Grieg in front of the net who made a nice cross crease pass to Jesse Cannon. Cannon beat the goaltender top shelf. In the last few minutes of the game, McGinnis made several great saves to kill off a late push by Goderich to win the game 2-1.
On Friday, the Storm had a chance to eliminate Goderich on home ice. The Storm can out flat and were not able to gain any momentum. McGinnis made several big saves early to keep the game scoreless after one period. Saugeen Shores had several chances to score in the second including ringing two shots off the cross bar. Goderich was able to get two quick goals with time running down in the second, to take a 2-0 lead into the final frame. Minutes into the final frame, hard fore checking was rewarded for the Storm as Harrison Tew was able to score after a scramble in front, to cut the Goderich lead in half with Cal Fraser getting the lone assist. The Storm would pull McGinnis to have a 6 on 4 power play late in the game, but couldn’t beat the clock.
The Storm then travelled to Goderich on Saturday for the 3rd and deciding game in this 1-1 series. Goderich had appeared to score the first goal of the game 2 minutes into the first period. The goal was called off as it was deflected by a high stick. McGinnis again made more spectacular saves to keep his team in the game. With 23 seconds to go in the first period, Braden Kelly intercepted a Goderich pass, and was able to cram the puck in at the side of the net for a 1-0 lead for Saugeen Shores after one period. In the second, McGinnis made a sprawling save to prevent the Sailors from scoring. Greig was able to put the visitors up 2-0 after scoring a power play goal high stick side. Saugeen Shores carried a 2-0 lead into the dressing room. In the third, Goderich started to mount a comeback, put were unable to put one by McGinnis aided by strong defensive play from his teammates. Saugeen Shores was able to protect their 2-0 shutout and win the W.O.A.A championship.
Congratulations to all of the Storm players and to the coaching staff of Doug Farrish, Mike Kelly and Daryl Lamont. The Bantam A/E will now gear up the O.M.H.A Quarter Final series against Elmvale.
