Mar 20, 2010 | RHall | 756 views
Ice-dogs Blank Scotiabank In Finals Opener
Arran-Elderslie drew first blood in the opening game of their final series against Scotiabank, winning 2 – 0 Saturday morning in Chesley. Both teams exhibited great skating on the big ice surface and the goaltending was exceptional at both ends of the rink. Tatum Edwards delivered her usual steady performance in nets for Arran and Ayden Young matched her save for save at the other end until sniper Jordan Osborne broke free and found the corner on a great shot late in the first period. Scoring chances continued to be exchanged until Osborne again found the mark with the insurance goal when a Scotiabank breakaway pass unfortunately deflected off the referee at the blue line and sent him in alone with under four minutes to go in the game. Scotiabank lifted their goalie for an extra attacker for the last two minutes but just couldn’t break the ice. This game ranks high on the list as one of the best of the season. Teena Ritchie earned the Digger Award for her tenacious effort and Drew Besito, who centered tykes Spencer Sutter-Lammie and Kaya Hall had a standout game as well. Playing on such a wide ice surface could have proven difficult for the defence but the angling skills of Blake Shields, Josh Johnson, Jack Evans, and Hunter Barnard was very evident. They are all gaining confidence in leading the attack yet instinctively are becoming aware when it’s time to pass or to clear the zone. All the forwards had their chances which hopefully carries on into the next game to be played in Southampton, Wednesday at 6pm.