From November 29th through December 20th, the Saugeen Shores
Novice B Storm competed in eight regular league games, winning six of eight
matches.
The team travelled to Mount Forest on the 29th of November, to face off against the Rams. Despite having many scoring opportunities, the Storm was unable to score on the Ram’s goalie, during the first and most of the second period. With less than a minute left on the clock during the second period, Storm forward, Dustin Heipel scored the only goal of the game, with an assist from defenseman, Austin Dunlop. Special mention goes out to defenseman, Jason Legge, for his aggressive play and wicked shots on net.
In a tightly-matched game on November 30th, the Storm was able to win their second game of the weekend, versus the BCH Ice Dogs. Scoring began in the second period, with Storm forward, Chad Lawrence, sinking the rebound off of a shot by Liam Doherty. Early in the third period, BCH capitalized on two scoring chances, bringing the Ice Dogs ahead, with only ten minutes left in the game. With less than five minutes to play, forwards, Dustin Heipel and Liam Doherty, were each able to score on the rush, bringing the final score to 3-2 for the Storm.
On December 6th, the Storm travelled to Bayfield for a rematch against the BCH Ice Dogs. Despite the Storm taking an early lead in the first period, with a goal by Dustin Heipel, the Ice Dogs were able to come back in the second period to tie it up. Forward, Will Nason, sunk a shot during the late minutes of the third period, making the score 2-1 for the Storm. However, the Ice Dogs were determined not to lose two in a row to the Storm. BCH took advantage of a few misplayed pucks, scoring two quick goals in the last minute of play and giving them the win.
In a rough and tumble match versus Mitchell, the Storm was able to hold off the Meteors for a win on December 7th. Both teams had several scoring opportunities throughout the game, but neither team seemed able to beat the opposing team’s goalie. Mitchell’s aggressive play resulted in several penalties throughout the game. At the start of the third period, Saugeen Shores was able to take advantage of its fourth power play of the game, with forward, Luke Thornley scoring and defenseman, Austin Dunlop, grabbing an assist. The final score remained 1-0 for the Storm.
The following evening, the Storm travelled to Walkerton to take on the Capitals at home. Walkerton began the scoring during the first period. Later in the first, forward Malachi McKinnon ripped a shot on net and fellow forward, Emmett Jackson, was able to tip it in, tying up the score going into the second period. The Capitals continued to cause the Storm trouble during the second period, with both teams receiving several penalties during the period. With less than a minute of play remaining in the second, Walkerton was able to take advantage of the Storm being out of position, and scored the go-ahead goal. Halfway through the third period, Storm forward, Dustin Heipel, was able to make a break for the Capital’s net and scored on the rush. Chad Lawrence scored the final goal of the game, on a nice centering pass from Liam Doherty, making the final score 3-2 for the Storm.
On December 13th, the Walkerton Capitals came to the Southampton Coliseum for a rematch against the Storm. Chad Lawrence began the scoring for the Storm, halfway through the first period. Play became increasing more aggressive, during the second and third periods, with Walkerton receiving several minor penalties and one game-misconduct during the third period. Luke Thornley, with help from Will Nason and Chad Lawrence, scored ten minutes into the third period, bringing the score to 2-0 for the Storm. During a power play, Malachi McKinnon and Liam Doherty set up Dustin Heipel for the team’s third goal of the game. Heipel scored again, with less than a minute of play reminaing, with Emmett Jackson grabbing an assist. In the end, the Storm were able to best the Capitals with a 4-0 win on home ice.
The Goderich Sailors came to Saugeen Shores on December 14th. The Storm were first on the scoreboard, with Will Nason scoring a goal just two minutes into the first period. The Sailors returned with a quick goal minutes later, tying up the score at 1-1. Goderich was able to score, again in the first, with just 5 minutes left in the period. Liam Doherty made a rush, just seconds later, and scored the second goal for the Storm. With second left in the first period, Emmett Jackson was able to score in a scramble in front of the Sailors’ net, making the score 3-2, going into the second period. Despite controlling the puck for the majority of the period, it wasn’t until the second last minute of play in the second when defenseman Jason Legge fired a riffle of a shot to score the Storm’s fourth goal of the game. Early in the third, the Sailors were able to catch the Storm out of position, and scored their third goal. At this point, the Storm took control of the game, with Chad Lawrence and Emmett Jackson each scoring one goal and Dustin Heipel scoring two. The final results were Saugeen Shores 8 vs. Goderich Sailors 3.
Despite only having one loss during the regular season and consistently playing like a well-organized team, the Storm did not bring their “A game” during their first regular season match-up against the Kincardine Kinucks on December 20th. The Kinucks began the scoring within the first two minutes of the first period and kept their momentum going throughout the entire game. The Storm could not seem to be able to catch a break or complete a play, while the Kinucks consistently kept the pressure on. In the end, the Kinucks were able to beat the Storm 5-0.
With this hard loss in mind and fuelling the team’s determination to play hard, fast, and smart hockey, the Storm now head into the Kincardine Regional Silver Stick Tournament, December 27th – 30th. GO STORM!