Jan 20, 2019 | Theresa Kolkman | 656 views
OMHA Playoffs....
With our OMHA playoffs to an end it was a tough battle against Minto Mad Dogs for our PeeWee Rep Crusaders. We had 3 games against a team with a lot of speed and skill, yet this didn't keep our players from giving up.
In less than a one week span we played 3 games against our competitor who gave us a real run for our money. Never once did the Crusaders stop skating or give up on a good battle.
We remained scoreless in the first game, but the second match in Blyth showed the true skill and power we possess. With great back and forth action this game could have went either way. Ava Strome, Kurtis Marks, Brett McCutcheon, Jake Bromley and Luke Fisher all made great shots on net. It was the second period when finally one of Brett's made contact with the back of the net. He gained back his right to the puck from the defensive end and with backup from his teammates made the end to end ice challenge a winner. This led us into the third period only 2 goals down.
Spirits remained high and the battle for control continued with all players especially Connor Dale, Luke Fisher, Landyn Hallahan and Jackson Hallahan. These boys moved hard into the corners and worked the opposition into the tougher areas. Our defensive crew of Thymen VanderPloeg, Bryce Shortreed, Shea Cox and Carson Bromley kept the action in front of our net minimal and open at the same time. This gave Hayden Lee our goalie, space to work his magic. Skill and determination is exactly the words I would use to describe Hayden's work in net. He made amazing saves, worked with his teammates to keep the team in the game and never gave up hope. Great work Hayden!!!
The last game of the series was in Brussels and once again this team put all their trained skills to work for another match of good hockey. The score didn't work in our favour, but this team of hockey players put together their plays, listened well to their coaches and came off the ice with pride of a good match. Many shots on net were had and Jake was able to get a few breakaways. Brett came up with our only point as the second period was coming to an end. He used his long arms and body strength to get past the Minto Mad Dogs alone for a bar down ending to a great play. Excellent performance Brett!!
With OMHA finals finished we can move forward and focus on the WOAA playoffs to come. Keep an eye on the website as we would love to have support in the stands.