Jan 28, 2011 | Ryan Lamont | 1019 views
Bantam A/E Storm start Playoffs
Bantam A/E Storm start playoffs with Collingwood
Submitted by Ryan Lamont
The Lakeshore Recreation Bantam A/E Storm started their best of 5 playoffs with the Collingwood Blackhawks on Saturday at the Plex. After a long stretch off, the boys were ready to face the Blackhawks. Saugeen Shores looked sluggish early on as Collingwood scored 27 seconds into the game to take a 1-0 lead. Four minutes later, the Storm were unable to get the puck out of their zone and the Blackhawks would add another goal to take a 2-0 lead. After calling a time out, Saugeen Shores applied the pressure and had some scoring chances off of rebounds, but couldn’t find the twine. Saugeen Shores trailed 2-0 after the first period. Period 2 was a more evenly matched period. Saugeen again got some good quality chances, but could not put anything up on the board. The Storm would fall behind 3-0 at 8:35 of the second frame. Just over a minute later, the Storm found some life. After a scramble in front of the Collingwood net, Connor Speer shot the puck behind the net minder with Cameron MacKay getting the helper. Saugeen continued to get chances, but trailed 3-1 after the second. Minutes into the final frame, Collingwood opened a 4-1 lead after they were buzzing around in the Storm zone. Seconds later, Charlie Wilkinson scored high glove side after a scramble in front of the net with Speer and Eric Parr getting the helpers to cut the lead in half. Less than a minute later, Collingwood would restore their 3 goal lead. Twenty-six seconds after Collingwood made it a 5-2 game, Wilkinson again gave the Storm some more life after scoring off another scramble in front of the net with Parr again getting the helper. Despite a lot of shots, Saugeen Shores could not get another goal and dropped game one to Collingwood 5-3. The next day it was off to Collingwood for game 2 of the series. The Storm were determined to even the series. Ryan Crosetta forced some big turnovers early in the game with his hard fore checking. Parr had a great chance to open the scoring early in the game, but couldn’t find the twine. Wilkinson got his third goal of the weekend, after some hard fore checking by Speer forced a turnover and he passed the puck to Wilkinson in the slot who scored glove side to give Saugeen a 1-0 lead. Speer got the lone assist. Saugeen held a 1-0 lead after the first period. It was more of the same in the second period. At 9:25 of the second after holding the puck in at the line, Justin Lamont wired home an unassisted goal which gave them a 2-0 lead. Minutes later that lead would be cut in half, as Collingwood scored to make it a tight 2-1 game. Saugeen continued to apply to pressure, but went into the dressing rooms with a 2-1 lead after 2 periods. Storm goaltender, Aaron Cruchley had to make some big saves early as Collingwood was buzzing to try and tie up the game. Five minutes into the final frame, the Storm went on their 5th power play of the game. Jake Dawson sent the puck from the corner in front for Wilkinson. Wilkinson made no mistake scoring his second of the game, high glove side. The Storm played well and earned themselves a 3-1 win. With the Best of 5 series tied 1-1, game 3 is Saturday, January 29th in Collingwood. The next home game is on February 5 at 12:00 at the Plex.