11-12 Bantam A ('97) - Stars Take Two of Three from Peach Kings
The Bantam Jr. Stars opened their O.M.H.A. quarterfinal series against the Grimsby Peach Kings this past weekend with a disappointing 3-1 home ice loss on Friday night. However, the Stars were able to regroup and take both the Saturday afternoon game in Grimsby as well as the Sunday afternoon game back home at the Timken Centre. The Stars will now take a 2-1 series lead back to Grimsby this Saturday afternoon with aspirations of finishing off the gritty Peach Kings and moving on to what is shaping up to be a semi-final re-match against last year's opponent, the Woolwich Wildcats.
After a two week lay-off, the Stars came out on Friday night appearing to be a little anxious and a little rusty. Peach Kings defenceman, Michael Tarbutt scored on a back-hander from the slot at 13:53 of the first period to give Grimsby the early lead.
On the Stars first power play opportunity of the series, Pierce Lawrence snapped home a low shot from the right circle with 3:36 left in the first period to tie the score at 1-1. Dane Jacoletti was credited with the only assist on the play.
Unfortunately, the Stars were unable to fire any more pucks past Grimsby puckstopper James Warink. A shorthanded goal by the Peach Kings midway through the third period, while the Stars were enjoying a two-man advantage, made the score 3-1 and was the final nail in the Stars coffin.
One of the best things about playing a short series is that you usually don't have a long time to dwell on a loss. Less than 20 hours later, the same two teams were back at it again. But this time, the Stars came out a little sharper and with more determination.
The Stars dominated the game from the drop of the puck, but had difficulty bulging the twine. Greyson Tottle was generally untested throughout the game, but made the stops when called upon. The two teams exchanged some heavy bodychecks, most notably from Jesse Tottle.
It was not until 13:47 of the third period that either team was able to get on the scoreboard. While on the powerplay, Andrew Baxter worked a nifty give-and-go with Jesse Tottle out of the right corner and somehow snuck one between the pads of Peach King backstop Jacob Zdriluk, who otherwise played a flawless game. Jesse Tottle deked out everyone and the kitchen sink to score an empty netter with eleven ticks remaining on the clock to cement the victory for the Stars.
The following Sunday afternoon, the Stars came out dominant again. Reuniting the JAM line for the first shift of the game, Michael McArthur potted the opening goal only ten seconds into the opening frame. Other members of the JAM line, Jesse Tottle and Andrew Baxter also earned assists on the play.
Grimsby tied the score early in the second period. While on the power play, Josh Cole deflected a high point shot which bounced past a helpless Rogie Tottle. They play appeared to be a high stick but after consultation, the officials ruled that, although the puck was deflected above the crossbar, it was nevertheless below Cole's shoulder height and therefore a valid goal. Game tied 1-1, despite Rogie's vehement protestations.
The Stars reclaimed the lead at 9:04 of the second stanza when Derek Folkard fearlessly blocked a Grimsby point shot and set Jesse Tottle in on a break away. With the puck up on edge the entire way, Jesse's wrist shot hit the inside of the right post and the back of netminder James Warink before trickling over the goal line for a 2-1 Stars lead.
However, Grimsby came roaring back before the end of the second period. Another power play goal tied the game at 2-2. Only seconds later, a deflection of a Stars defender snuck behind Greyson Tottle and gave the Peach Kings a 3-2 lead heading into the intermission.
Determined not to let the game get away, the Stars came out strong again to start the final period. Jesse Tottle scored a powerplay goal on a nifty wrap-arounder to tie the score at 3-3 early in the third. Dane Jacolette and Andrew Baxter earned assists on the play.
With 8:07 left in the game, Andrew Baxter scored another Stars' powerplay goal when he lasered a wrist shot high over Warink's glove for a 4-3 St. Thomas lead. Zack Smith and Michael McArthur assisted on the goal.
On a play Stars' fans have not seen very often this season, Jesse Tottle's pass at the Peach King blue line was intercepted, sending Michael Tarbutt in on a shorthanded breakaway with 3:30 left in the game. Mr. Tarbutt made no mistake with a filthy deke past the outstretched pad of Greyson Tottle tying the score at 4-4 and set a hush over the frenzied Stars' crowd.
Not to be deterred, cue the pride of Belmont, Ontario, Derek Folkard to save the day. Only twenty-three seconds after Grimsby tied the game and still on a Stars' powerplay, Folksy jammed home a rebound to restore the Stars' lead at 5-4. Dane Jacolette and T.J. Turley were given assists on the goal.
With their third powerplay goal of the period, Dylan Newman solidified the Stars victory with a brilliant backhand, high to the short side over Warink's shoulder from a sharp angle. Michael McArthur and Zach Smith started the play, and the Stars cruised to a 6-4 victory and a 2-1 series lead.
Until next Saturday, keep your stick on the ice and keep reaching for the Stars.
