Mar 10, 2015 | Len Carthew | 1443 views
It Was All Or Nothing
After a disappointing loss to Niagara On The Lake, the boys now had their backs against the wall. They had to win both remaining games in Dunnville and Smithville to have any chance on playing more hockey.
The stage was set; West Lincoln had one game left against us. They had 9 points; we had 5 points. In order for the Smith Industrial Sailors to continue their quest to be the NDLL Group 'B' Champions, they had to win in Dunnville, and then win the next night in West Lincoln.
With the known Ability, the right Motivation and the positive Attitude, they did just that. They won both games to put themselves in a position to play at least one more game as a team.
As of Monday evening, Niagara On The Lake still has one game left in Wainfleet, and if they win, they will advance to the Finals, and Port PW #1 and West Lincoln will have to play in a tie-breaker game. If Niagara On The Lake is defeated by Wainfleet, then Port PW #1 and West Lincoln would play for the Championship.
Well, Sunday afternoon in Dunnville was where the 2 game quest was to begin. It was all or nothing, and the kids stepped up to the challenge by blanking the Mudcats in their own barn by a score of 5 - 0. Keaton earned the shutout with Evan and Eric (Dangles) each scoring a pair of goals. The other goal went to Professor Kyle with helpers going to Conner, Darius, Lukas, and Charlie with a pair of assists. The whole team played as a unit with the motivation and attitude to showcase their ability to take the first step to keep on playing hockey into late March.
The next night in West Lincoln was a very close game. The Wrath scored the only goal in the first period, and the second period didn't surrender any goals to either team. The third period was littered with goals from both sides. About three minutes into the last stanza, Ryan dished the puck off to Evan who went coast to coast sliding the biscuit under the Wrath tender to tie the game. Then West Lincoln scored to take the lead once again, but not long after, Rob (Ovy) Hicks plugged a rebound into the gaping net to tie the game. A minute and a half later, Lukas scooped up a turnover in the neutral zone, danced into the high slot and rifled a wrist shot over the glove of the Wrath tender to take the lead for the fist time. Then about another minute and a half later, Dillon and Kaleb set up Lukas when he snapped a shot blocker side to bulge the twine witch stood to be the eventual game winning goal. The Wrath made it close by scoring a squeaker with their goalie pulled with only a minute, forty-two to go, but the Smith Industrial Sailors hung on to claim the victory.
What a performance by the kids in the last two games who dedicated their efforts to team-mate Eric and his family. Kohl came to the game with pink tape for everyone to put on their sticks in tribute to Craig and the whole Marr family. Regardless of the outcome for the rest of this playoff run, this team has shown so much class, determination, pride, and commitment in the pursuit of having fun; the coaching staff, and your families are so proud of you kids. Keep up the great work!!!