Nov 04, 2018 | JNeeb | 272 views
Aces hold off the Attack
The Taylor Fluid Systems Peewee C Stratford Aces travelled to Alvinston for a match against the Lambton Attack. On paper these teams were evenly matched – Lambton with a record of
4-2-1 and the Aces 3-3-1.
On paper these teams were evenly matched – Lambton with a record of 4-2-1 and the Aces 3-3-1. As expected, fans were treated to some fast-paced, back-and-forth action that generated quality scoring chances by both teams. Strong back-checking by Grace Laverty early in the first period produced a turn over that sent Josie Walker streaking down the ice. With one defender to beat she skated to her strong side and fired a bouncing shot that fooled the Attack’s net-minder, giving the Aces the early lead.
Off the ensuing face off, Lambton pressed the attack but lost possession as Kylie Fifield blocked a shot. The Aces’ forwards pounced on the rebound and broke out of their end with some strong passing, quickly setting up in the offensive zone. Taylor Neeb received a behind-the-net pass from Avery Faulhafer and buried it in the back of the net, putting the Aces up 2-0.
The Aces were firing on all cylinders, but with 5:25 left in the first, Faulhafer was sent to the box and the Attack saw their opportunity to snatch momentum away with the man advantage. In response, the Aces’ PK unit clamped down, pinning the Attack in their own zone. Maintaining puck control, Fifield threw a shot at the net that took a friendly deflection off an Attack’s stick and found its way into the back of the net. A key pad-save by Ava Neumeister kept the Attack off the board, the only shot surrendered to the Attack during the power play.
In the second period both teams traded penalties and had opportunities to score. With 7:13 left to play the Attack managed to slip one passed the Aces’ net-minder from a tight angle, cutting into the 3 goal lead. Great hustle by Devan Taylor, Katie Helson and Alanah McIlroy helped shutdown breakout chances by the Attack, preserving the two goal advantage.
In the waning minutes of the third the Attack once again went on the power play. The determined Aces squad controlled the puck in the offensive zone for well over a minute, preventing the Attack from pulling their goalie, but the opportunity eventually came when a stoppage in play sent the faceoff into the Aces’ end. Despite having two extra skaters and benefiting from some home-ice advantage (read: time-keeper forgetting to start the clock) the Attack fell short of the comeback.
Final score: Aces 3, Attack 1.
The League meets this week to re-seed teams within each division based on early season results.
Article by: E. Wheal