Feb 05, 2019 | RNyenhuis | 1737 views
Devilettes Get their Sweet Revenge
Rod Smith Aces Use their Tough Showing at London Tournament to Display Their New Attitude
The Rod Smith Novice B Aces Entered the London Devillettes Tourney to find a place to try a new attitude, an attitude they need to defeat two Huron County teams in the place where it matters, the LLFHL playoffs and for the road to the Provincial finals. Inspired by a solid tourney opening 3-1 win against the Etobicoke Dolphins with goals from Jule Cameron, Kiera Blain and Emerie Smith, the gunners faced the Lucan Irish for game 2 of the Aces tourney pool. The Lucan Irish seemed comfortable as a dominate team in the WOGHL and with a dominate 2-way playing defender, the Aces knew that they needed to let Irish know that dipping their feet in the LLFHL would not come easy. Linley Porter opened scoring early for the Aces with a truly inspiring rush from the wing and a blasting wrist shot to put the Aces up 1-0. The Irish responded in kind bringing the teams even at the end of the first. Gritty and determined, Emerie Smith of the twin towers line let the Irish know that they would not be able to be playing around each other today, but rather with the girls new attitude any team would have to play through the Aces from here on. Smith took two penalties for the Aces, inspiring Niahm Appel to make a truly amazing back check on the Irish number 9 defender. The result of the beautiful check was another penalty drawn, creating outrage from the bench which resulting in a bench minor for the Aces, the fourth in a row and placing the Aces into 5 on 3 disadvantage to which the Irish were able to capitalize. The Aces would not be intimidated by the penalties and continued their strong back check and tight coverage throughout but the 2-1 goal at 5 on 3 would be what broke the Aces this time. A pinching Claire Donnelly batted home a rebound late but the Irish's damage to the Aces was done and they sailed away with a 4-2 final. The girls would face the Devillettes for the third game in their pool where the girls, frustrated by the hard fought defeat at the hands of the Irish, could not find their feet and the devillettes kept the girls hemmed in their zone. The devillettes would prevail with a 1-0 victory. Reese Flanagan would earn the helmet for the girls, holding them in the persistent barrage from the devillettes throughout.
The tourney served as a practice ground for the playoffs and it re-assured the Ace loyal fans that they will fight for everything, every battle for every puck with grit, speed, determination and dedication and they will do it as a team. The Aces will not relent. Coach Cameron stressed that the girls learned that they are a team that performs well when everyone comes together. Cameron added that they are ready for the grueling series to come with the Huron Heat and the South Huron Sabres down the stretch. Cameron emphasized that all practice will be on shooting and playing gritty Aces hockey. The Ace bench call on all the Ace loyal to support our girls on the quest for the Novice B hockey greatness that lies straight ahead.
The Aces face the Heat Sunday on the road in Blyth at 11 am for game one of the LLFHL first round best of three series.