STORM Stands Tough in Playoff Series This Weekend
Tibor's / Rosner's ATOM AE faced Goderich Sailors in Game 1 Saturday afternoon in Southampton. Following a stinging defeat vs. Goderich last week in the last week of regular season, STORM came out strong and played a tough and hard fought game to the end. Regular play ended with the scoreboard showing a 4-4 tie game. Well into the 10 minute overtime, with many chances for both teams, Goderich finally put the winning shot past Goalie Kenneth Bollen with 1 minute 15 left in the game. Tough loss but excellent and well played game by every player on the team. Congratulations to Emma Vanhaelemeesch with two fantastic goals, and to Malcolm McIntosh, who's shot top shelf late in the third tied up the game putting the teams into overtime. The bleachers were full of excited fans. Thanks to all those, especially the Atom REP players, who came out to cheer the team on.
Today's game (Sunday) came hot on the heels of Saturday's adrenalin filled game. STORM travelled to Goderich to face them in the second of a potential 3 game series and found themselves facing a Sailors team hungry for the win. Team Blue managed to fend off the Goderich offense until late in the first period, where they were first to strike and get a number on the board putting Storm down by 1 starting the second period. The door remained shut for Storm sharp shooters throughout the second period. Goderich Sailors added a goal to the board halfway through the second period leaving Storm with a 2 goal deficit going in to the final 15. Goderich Sailors faced a keen STORM team in the third. Goalie Cameron Plante denied many potential goal scorers, including a penalty shot in the third that could have sealed it for Goderich. Some sweet backchecking by Colton Heipel and Owen MacKenzie helped Storm stay in the game, and at last, with 3:52 left, and after a number of close chances, Brayden Horsemen assisted by Malcolm Mcintosh and Dylan Pomroy put Storm on the board and as well put the Sailors on notice that the game was not yet over. The final 5 minutes were similar to what the fans saw the day before, full of close chances, great saves and some sweaty head hockey but not enough time on the clock to capitalize. We watched a WINNING TEAM this weekend who were hungry to do their best and defeat their opponents. This was evident by their effort, their perseverence and their teamwork. Congratulations Kenneth, Cameron, Kelly, Coleton, JD, Dylan, Owen, Emma, Aidan, Duncan, Colton, Jake, Malcolm, Brayden and Nolan on your efforts. Next Round is just around the corner and you're just getting warmed up!! Congratulations Team.
