Oct 08, 2010 | tmacmillan | 1119 views
Minor Atoms make it 2 wins in a row!!
Game 5 of our season had us on the road for a mid-week match against the Oakridge Aeros in London. The Jr. Stars had to play through a couple of clumsy periods before exploding for five unanswered goals in the 3rd and head home with a convincing 5-1 victory.
Throughout the 1st period, we couldn't decide if it was the ice, the puck or the building, but our guys had difficulty finding their stride and couldn't really get going. Thanks to the steady play of Taylor H. in net and two successful penalty kills, we escaped the opening period tied at zero.
Into the 2nd, Oakridge notched the first goal, shorthanded, with a wrap around that just found the inside of the far post to put them ahead 1-0. Battling hard throughout the period, St. Thomas was unable to capitalize on a 2-man advantage late in the frame as the Aeros held us scoreless for another period.
With the first two periods behind us, it took just 0:36 seconds into the 3rd for the Jr. Stars to hit the scoreboard with a low wrist shot from Tyler M. finding it's way past the Aeros' goalie. Three minutes later, Russell O. found the back of the net with what would prove to be the game winner after receiving a pass from Tristan C. With less then 6:00 remaining, Russell O. and Tristan C. connected again, this time with Tristan C. registering the goal. Devon K. showed the benefits of hard work when first he out hustled Oakridge to the puck in their own end, and then out muscled a defender behind the net. With control of the puck, he sent a pass out front to a waiting Tyler M. who wasted no time flipping it over the fallen goalie for his second of the night. Connor E. had his best chance of the season as he streaked in alone from the blue line only to send his shot just wide of London's net. Brad V. rounded out the scoring when he broke in from the wing and snapped up a loose puck with a quick shot into the open side.
Mason N. had his best game thus far on defense with responsible play in our end throughout and several zone clearing plays to limit pressure by the Aeros and help secure the 5-1 victory.
This could be our best game of the season so far. Even with the frustrating start, the boys stayed focused, concentrated on teamwork and in the end, their efforts really paid off. Fantastic work, everyone!!!