Feb 03, 2016 | Terri Patterson | 662 views
Crusaders win to climb back in to their OMHA playoff series.
The Howson Mills Bantam Rep Crusaders traveled to Mildmay for game three of their series against the South Bruce Blades, and were able to come away with a 1-0 win.
The game started tentatively for both teams, neither team willing to open the game up, and the first period ended with no score.
The Crusaders realized they weren't playing as well as they needed to, to win the game, and started taking the play to the Blades in the second period.
Team Captain Jacob Roth opened the scoring after weaving through some heavy traffic, then beating the South Bruce defenceman and beating the goalie top shelf. Assists went to Colin Howson and Nick Aitken.
The Crusaders thought they had gone ahead 2-0 on a goal by Myles Johnston as he appeared to beat the goalie with a high shot that appeared to go in and out, but the officiating staff thought otherwise after a consultation.
The Crusaders played a caution period and were able to hold on to a one goal lead after two periods.
As was the case in the previous two games the South Bruce Blades came out in the third strong. The Crusaders started running around and getting caught flat footed at times, but goaltender Spencer Lazarevich was able to keep the door closed.
When the Blades couldn't score at even strength, they tried to goad the Crusaders in to taking penalties by running them. Mason Weber, Mitch McNichol, and Bailey Bos are to be applauded for maintaining their composure. Nick Aitken and Ben Jacklin played good games, trying to fit in on lines they don't regularly play on.
Alex Coultes and Dakota Coultes continued their strong defensive play and helped the Crusaders win 1-0 and get back in the series.
Spencer Lazarevich picked up the shut out, playing his strongest game of the season.