The Taylor Fluid
Systems Aces played their first Playdown game for Provincial qualifications on
Saturday against the familiar South Huron Sabres. The Aces battled hard
throughout the game out shooting the Sabers 22 to 7, and as a result of the continued
pressure they were rewarded with a 3-1 victory. Ava Neumeister was between the
pipes for this game and had a solid performance only letting one squeak by her late
in the third period.
The TFS Aces started their scoring half way through the first period which resulted from a puck battle win at the offensive blueline. Anne Nickel gained possession and carried the puck to about the hashmarks where she took a shot towards the net which created a rebound that Lauren Leis jumped on and buried to give the Aces the first goal of the game and more importantly, momentum. The second goal was a couple minutes later and was much like the first. Josie Walker had possession of the puck in the house and made a nice pass to Nickel who was at the about the hashmarks. Nickel took a shot from pretty much the same angle as before which again created a rebound, this time for Josephine Jarmuth who buried the biscuit the give the Aces a 2-0 lead. The first period ended 2-0. The second period did not see any goals but did see some good defensive plays and excellent regrouping and puck possession from the entire team. Late in the third period the Sabers scored their first goal of the game to come to within one of tying game, and now had momentum on their side. They were now pressuring the Aces hard by pulling their goalie for the extra skater. With ~:41 seconds left in the game Jarmuth was able to gain possession of the puck in the defensive end and break through the Sabers defense to get into the offensive zone and score on the empty net to give the Aces some much needed insurance. The game ended with a 3-1 victory, but most importantly, earning two points towards the playdown series.
The second game of the weekend for the Taylor Fluid Systems Aces was the first game in the second round for the LLFHL playoffs against the Woodstock Wildcats. As anticipated, this was going to be the more difficult game of the two this weekend. Ava Neumeister was between the pipes again this game, filling the skates for an ill Sloan Cameron. Neumeister played a stellar game allowing only one goal. Scoring started early for both teams. The TFS Aces taking first blood 33 seconds after the first puck drop. Campbell won a puck battle along the boards and bounced the puck up to Jarmuth who broke into the offensive zone taking the shot and beating the Wildcats goalie glove side to give the Aces the early lead. However, the lead was short lived as the Wildcats scored 79 seconds later via a scrum in front of the net that seen Neumeister making the first four or so saves before one found its way past her. Neumeister shut the door after that keeping the Aces in the game and earning the eventual win for her team. The second period was a wash with neither team able to add to their score and both teams getting five shots on net. The TFS Aces came out on top in the third period adding one more to the score board and out shooting the Wildcats 5-3. 1:20 into the third period, Jarmuth took the puck into the Wildcats end and took a low shot that created a rebound for Campbell who made no mistake picking up the rebound and scoring the game winning goal. The Aces battled hard the rest of the period keeping the Wildcats caged up not giving them room to move with the puck. Kudos must be given to the defense for some nice shot blocks late in the period. The game ended with a 3-1 victory and two points to lead the series in the first to four points. Excellent Weekend Aces!!