The St. Thomas Jr Stars Kilbank Metal Forming and Turning PeeWee A team have advanced to the OMHA Playdown Quarterfinal round after defeating Essex 3 games to 1 and winning the Bluewater Hockey League title in regional play.
After winning our region’s Playdown Tournament, the Stars faced the Essex Ravens in a best of 5 series for the Bluewater title and the opportunity of advancing to the OMHA Playdown Quarterfinal round. In Game 1, both teams battle hard from the opening puck drop. The Stars scored first, mid way through the 1st period. Essex drew even with just 4:00 remaining in the 2nd. A successful penalty shot just minutes into the 3rd period put the Stars up for good. Although Essex scored again in the final minutes, the Stars had already added what turned out to be the game winner and then an empty netter in the dying seconds to make the final 4-2.
Game 2 went the following night in Essex. With a scoreless 1st period, it wasn’t until the midway point of the 2nd that the Stars got on the board, scoring the first goal of the game. They held a 1-0 lead until the 9:00 mark of the 3rd when Essex managed their first of the contest, drawing even 1-1. The Stars found the back of the net a second time with just over 4:00 remaining to take the lead and again just 0:20 seconds later, adding the insurance goal and hanging on for a 3-1 victory.
With the Stars leading two games to none, the teams would play back in St. Thomas for their third game in 3 days. Facing elimination, it was obvious from the opening face-off that Essex did not want to make the first mistake. With another scoreless 1st period in the books, our opponents drew first, scoring just 0:26 seconds into the 2nd period, taking the lead in the game and their first lead of the series. Essex held the one goal advantage until just under 5:00 remaining in the 3rd when a Stars’ shot found it’s way up and over their goalie. Both teams played a careful final few minutes, sending the game to overtime. Unfortunately, it was Essex scoring just 1:49 into overtime to win the game, hold off elimination and force a fourth game.
Back in Essex this past Friday, the Stars looked to close out the series and earn a spot in the OMHA Quarterfinal round of their first time ever. With the first three games being so close, more of the same was expected and no one was disappointed. The Star tallied first with just 1:52 remaining in the 1st period, but Essex answerer right back, just 0:18 into the 2nd. It only took 0:54 seconds for the Stars to regain the lead, and just another 0:60 for Essex to tie the game again 2-2. The Stars pulled back out in front midway through the middle period. When Essex was awarded a 5:00 power play late in the period, our 1 goal advantage appeared to be in jeopardy. However, the Stars rallied and held their opponents scoreless. Gaining momentum from this huge penalty kill the Stars managed to score 2 more answered goals before the final buzzer, making the final 5-2, eliminating the Essex Ravens and moving on the OMHA Playdown Quarterfinal round vs. the Grimsby Peach Kings.
Thanks to the Essex Ravens for a well played series and congratulations to the St. Thomas Jr Stars Kilbank Metal Forming and Turning PeeWee A players and coaches. Best of luck in your next round.