The
Taylor Fluid Systems Peewee C Stratford Aces opened their post –season at home
on Sunday, February 3rd with game one of the Provincial Qualifying round
against the Mitchell Meteors. Despite
losing the season series to the Aces, it was the Meteor squad that jumped out
to a fast start, pinning the Aces in their own zone. The early pressure forced the Aces to make
two uncharacteristic misplays with the puck in front of their own net and very
quickly the home team found themselves staring at a two goal deficit.
Mitchell maintained the lead for much of the first. Sensing that her team needed a spark, Taylor Neeb took control of the puck off a defensive zone faceoff, raced down the length of the ice and buried a snap shot top shelf to put the Aces on the board.
Play in the second period was a back and forth affair, neither team gaining a clear advantage. Finally an opportunity presented itself as a streaking Katie Helson out-skated the defenders and fired a shot that seemed to have eyes of its own as it tumbled up over the net-minder and into the net, tying the game at two.
The two teams skated to a scoreless third and as the game ended the Aces felt fortunate to have clawed out an important point by securing the tie. Final score was tied 2 a-piece.
Article by: E. Wheal