Dec 31, 2017 | RNyenhuis | 339 views
Snow Hampers Aces in Wallaceburg
Game Delays and Weather Affect Aces Rhythm
Submitted by Meg Smith - Many Thanks
The Stratford Kinsmen Novice C Aces face adversity even before arriving in Wallaceburg for a pre-Christmas showdown with the host Lakers. With half of the Ace team and coaching staff gridlocked on a snowy highway 401 it looked like the bench would be short handed for the first period of play. However, the officiating staff also appeared to be affected by the weather, giving Stratford a chance to re-group, play a 'practice' first period to a scoreless tie - and welcome a late official to re-start the game.
Pippa Nyenhuis made her second start in net for the Aces and held Wallaceburg to single goals in the first and second period. Charlee MacFarlane fired a beautiful backhand in the net for Stratford in the second period, much to the elation of her road fans and parents who had the game stopped to retrieve the puck commemorating her first goal as an Ace! The goal was assisted by Avery Stokes and Katie Wheal. Headed into the third period trailing by a goal, the Aces began to show signs of fatigue - perhaps due to the long drive or perhaps due to the extra period of play or perhaps due to sleep deprivation. Regardless, Wallaceburg notched two more goals in the third to seal the 4-1 decision in favour of the Lakers.