Last weekend the Sommers Generator Systems Atom A Aces
kicked off their playoff run in their opening series, shutting out the London
Devillettes 4-0.
The Stratford fans all know the Aces play well at home and this time it was their textbook style of defensive play that brought the arena to life. Quarterbacked by Ella Gracey between the pipes, the pairings of Katie Antonio and Ella Boersma, Hannah Mogk and Charlee Gethke, and Rylee Nethercott with Olivia VanStraaten punished the Devillettes offense all over the ice, keeping them to the outside and making them think twice about going into the corners. It is rumored that super-fan Paul Parsons might have read a tweet that Donald Trump may want the Aces defense to join NATO.
Stratfords offense was also stellar, buzzing the Devillette tower and controlling the play in London’s end. Kenleigh Soper opened up the scoring early in the game with a one timer in the slot from the stick of Olivia Cote-Wawryszyn. Soper struck again early in the second period, taking out the trash after a howitzer from Victoria Campbell that the Devilettes goalie was unable to handle. Kiara McGregor got the red light gleaming in the third, scoring twice. A little burst of speed in the neutral zone, giving London’s defense the “how’s she going”, found herself on a breakaway going bar down on the Devilettes tender. McGregor’s second came from a great heads up play from the stick of Ella Boersma, as she saucered the biscuit right on to her tape, springing McGregor down the ice to send the Devilettes water bottle flying from the top of the net and into the stands for a souvenir to a grateful fan.
The Aces get a break from playoff action next weekend as they will be participating in the London tournament. Playoff action continues Saturday, February 10 as they look to eliminate the London Devillettes on the road.
Good Luck in The London Tournament Ladies!!