Oct 18, 2013 | dvandenbroek | 239 views
Two In A Row At Home
St. Thomas Midget A Junior Stars win their second straight game on home ice with the final score of 5-4 over the Brantford 99er's. A game that showed great discipline by both teams even though there was a steady parade to the penalty box.
The game started out with the home team ready to go. They dominated the first period of play outshooting their opponents 12-6 while taking advantage of the 2 power play opportunities they had early in the game. Although they had lots of chances on the first power play the first goal came on their second chance just 8 minutes into the game. Reda scored his first of 3, using his strength and his determination to not let anyone move him from on front of the net as he picked up a rebound after a scramble in tight to the Branford net minder. Assists on the goal were awarded to Woody and Shawsy. The lead lasted for only a few minutes as Brantford even the score on one of the only 2 even strength goals scored in the game.
The red light lit up 6 times in the second period, fortunate or unfortunate for both teams 4 of the lamp lighters came short handed, 2 for each team. The other 2 goals, both for St. Thomas came via the power play. As I look over my notes from the game I had a lot of question marks written down, as either I am blind or the ref doesn't see very well (maybe both). I missed a few calls that they got. That seemed to be the difference in this one as the Brantford players spent 20 minutes in the box opposed to our 4 minutes of penalties. Goals in this period came from Zach Smith (PP), Woody ( a short handed beauty), Reda from a nifty pass while short handed from Derek Folkard, and Reda again on a powerplay rebound from point man Ryan Vandenbroek.
The third period left players, coaches and fans confused again as the penalty troubles continued. Very little offence this period as both teams careful not to take any suspensions or unnecessary penalties, particular to the St. Thomas team who have their home tournament coming up this weekend and hope to have all hands on deck for the first time this season. With one minute to go Brantford did manage to inject some excitement back into the game as they scored with their goalie pulled to make it a one goal game and they continued to pressure the home team until the final buzzer. Fortunately we ended with the 5-4 victory.
Give credit to the coaches players and fans on both sides for showing great discipline as I am sure the frustration level must have been high. Not often have I seen this type of game not go off the rails. With the victory the boys will start their first tournament this Friday through Sunday at home on a positive note that will surely give them the confidence they need to continue in their winning ways. Good Luck!!!!!