Feb 12, 2018 | tcogghe | 748 views
AARKEL BANTAM - PLAYOFF UPDATE
It's been a busy start to the playoffs for the Bantam Tri-county Regular Season Champs playing 5 games within a two week period. With the Championship bracket consisting of only 3 teams; both Wallaceburg teams and Mooretown it was sure to be a battle with each team playing the other four times.
Game 1 vs W'burg TC2:
This game was as even as they get and definitely a sign of things to come. From the first drop of the puck it was a dog fight between both teams. As the game went on it was evident that if a team was to win they need some luck on their side.
It wasn't until the 3rd period that first blood was drawn by Wallaceburg TC2, scoring a minute into the frame. However, evening things up the Aarkel Bantam Lakers scored within a minute later on a goal by Jackson Oliver, assisted by Holden MacDonald. Seconds after that Wallaceburg TC1 took the lead with a goal from Aiden Latimer, assisted by Ethan Burfield and once again Holden MacDonald. TC1 would hang onto the one goal lead for the remainder of the game until just under two minutes when TC2 tied it up and the teams battled to 2-2 tie, with both goalies being stars.
Game 2 vs W'burg TC2:
The second game saw the teams pick up where they left off and traded chances throughout the 1st & 2nd period but neither team could find the back of the net. It was looking to be an exciting finish once again with both goalies keeping the game close.
In the 3rd period the Aarkel team started the scoring half way through on an unassisted goal by Captain Caleb Tulloch. But TC2 answered right back a minute later with their own goal to tie things up. Shortly after that TC2 regained the lead on a goal by Josh Snelgrove, assisted by Caleb Tulloch. With just over two minutes to go Zander Cogghe scored another for TC1 to give them a two goal lead (assisted by Kyle Morrison and Josh Snelgrove). With just over a minute to go the TC2 made things interesting once again getting one back but that was all they could manage before the final buzzer, giving the Aarkel Bantams the win and important 2pts.
Game 3 vs Mooretown:
After a big win last game the Aarkel Bantam Lakers were looking to build off their success as they travelled to Mooretown but the Flags had different plans.
Both teams traded chances in the first but Wallaceburg seemed to have the initial edge with majority of the time being spent in the Mooretown end. However, it was the Flags who got the first one on a deflection in front of the net. Wallaceburg managed to erase the 1 goal lead seconds later on a nice tip by Zander Cogghe which was set up by a point shot from Kaiden Petranik that came on a beautiful pass from the corner by Quinlan Fields. The period ended in a 1-1 tie and Wallaceburg was feeling good, unfortunately that feeling didn't last the whole game. Half way through the 2nd Mooretown took a 1 goal lead and kept it as they headed into the intermission. When the teams came out for the 3rd it was all Mooretown and as Wallaceburg went down one, two and then three goals so did their confidence and eventually the game ended in a disappointing 5-1 score.
Game 4 vs Wallaceburg TC2:
Looking to bounce back from their disheartening loss TC1 looked to learn from their mistakes and get back in the win column. After the first two games being so close they knew it wasn't going to be easy against this talented TC2.
TC1 got off to a good start with an early goal coming 3 minutes into the game by a point shot from Kaiden Petranik, assisted by Caleb Tulloch and Jackson Oliver. Looking for redemption after the last game Aarkel's net minder Macky was on his game. In fact both goalies once again were proving once again to be difference makers in this game stopping all shots in the 2nd period. Clinging to a one goal lead heading into the 3rd, the TC1 fought to add another and eventually got it on a beautiful wrap around by Kyle Morrison, assisted by DaeVyon Longboat. Not going down without a fight TC2 battled back and got one of their own minutes later but it wouldn't be enough as the Aarkel Bantam Lakers managed to pull off another close win and important 2pts.
Game 5 vs Mooretown Flags:
Looking to redeem themselves since their last meeting Wallaceburg TC1 Lakers hosted the Mooretown Flags for their 2nd of 4 games. This game would start and finish much different than the last. Both teams traded chances all game and even though Wallaceburg didn't have their strongest performance in the beginning they finished strong. Fortunately their goalie was ready for defending because he had a busier than usual night and was up to the task stopping all shots directed including a breakaway with 16 seconds left in the game. Unfortunately for the Lakers on the other end of the ice, the Flags goalie was also up to the task and the teams skated to a pressure filled, edge of your seat 0-0 tie.
Now the teams look to take a break from the pressure of Playoffs as they get set to participate in the Wallaceburg hosted Frank Dymock Classic. Teams won't get much of a break from each other as all teams are registered and could face each other in the tournament. The Wallaceburg Lakers TC1 team hopes to regain some of it's season success and carry it through the remaining playoff games. It is sure to be an exciting end to the season with such a close race for the top two spots.
BE SURE TO JOIN US ALL FAMILY DAY WEEKEND FOR THE FRANK DYMOCK CLASSIC - FREE ADMISSION!