On Sunday, Dec 23rd, the Taylor Fluid Systems Peewee C
Stratford Aces welcomed the Tillsonburg Lightning to the Rotary Complex for the
much anticipated rematch. It was the
same Lightning squad that only a week ago had ended the Aces’ thirteen game win
streak and the Stratford squad was eager to settle the score.
In front of the home crowd, the Aces game out flying. It was clear that their game plan was to get on the board first and force their opponent to play from behind. Rachel Horan had the early chance as she fought for position in front of the net, but the Lightning net-minder squeezed the pads as Horan tried to bang home a rebound. Later in the period, the Aces went on a two-on-one rush. Ally Wheal fed Taylor Neeb a one-timer that found the back of the net, giving the Aces the early advantage.
With momentum in hand the Aces continued to press the attack. Throughout the game, the speedster Katie Helson made three end-to-end rushes, fooling the Lightning net-minder on her second attempt, increasing the Aces lead to two.
The Aces D lead by Kylie Fifield and Rowan Aitken were determined to protect the two goal lead, their relentless back-checking broke up more than one of the Lightning’s odd-man rushes.
With 3:32 left in the second, a Lightning forward scored on the breakaway, cutting into the Aces’ lead.
The fans continued to watch, adrenaline running high in the third period as both teams had their chances. Sensing the opportunity to tie the game slipping through their fingers, the Lightning pulled their goalie with 1:24 left in the game, and sent another skater into the fray. The Aces maintained their composure, all of them seasoned veterans of these tight games and as the final seconds ticked off the clock, they joined their fans in a celebratory cheer at defeating the Lightning 2-1.
The Aces will take a short break to enjoy the Holiday Season before skating into action in the New Year.
Merry Christmas everyone and all the best in the New Year!
E Wheal