Zarmac Atom AE Bears travelled to Mactier on
Saturday to face off against North Muskoka Lightning for the 2nd
time this season. With the previous game ending in a 3-3 tie, the Bears were
hungry for a win.
The Lightning had the Bears on their heels in the 1st period. Down 3-0 going into the 2nd period, the Bears held the Lightning at 3 and found the back of the net to get on the scoreboard, it was Jamie Garth with a tough angle shot banked off the goalie, assisted by linemate John Cousineau to make it a 3-1 game heading into the 3rd period.
In an action-packed 3rd period, the Bears dominated the play and turned on the pressure with 6 more goals; Cameron Galloway with a pair of beautiful top-shelf goals, Connor MacNaughton smashed a loose puck through the goalies legs, Colton Mocon blew one by the goaltender with a bullet from the blue line, John Cousineau jammed one in during a scramble in front of the net, and Ethan Cats found the back of the net during some intense pressure in the Lightning end. Getting assists in the 3rd period; Jamie Garth, Ashlin Baker, Kaston Johnson, and Cyrus Buchanan. Hard back checking by the Bears defense, Brasi, Mocon, Black, and Bennett kept the Lightning at only one goal in the 3rd ending the game with a win for the Bears, final score 7-4. A solid game for netminder Cameron Clement making some great saves with excellent puck control limiting the rebound chances.
Haliburton Highland Storm Atom AE entered the Zarmac Atom AE Bears den on Sunday for the 3rd meeting this season, Bears leading the series with a win and a tie going into the match. The Bears had a strong start with an early goal, a spectacular passing play as Kaston Johnson fired the puck ahead right on to the stick of Ethan Cats, Cats in the clear labeled the puck over the glove of the Storm netminder to make it 1-0 Bears. After intense end-to-end play the Storm answered to tie it up 1-1 at the end of the 1st. The Bears continued to pressure the Storm with several scoring chances and finally hit the mark with another great passing play in the Storm end; Ethan Cats to Kaston Johnson to Ashlin Baker in front of the net. Baker made no mistake with a fierce shot up high past the Storm goalie to make it 2-1 for the Bears.
The Storm came out blazing in the 3rd with an early goal to tie it up at 2. The Bears fought hard but it was the Storm that pulled ahead with only 4 minutes to go. With 30 seconds left in the game the Bears pulled their goalie, added another skater and kept the fans on the edge of their seats. Final score 3-2 for the Storm. Bears goaltender Cameron Clement stood strong between the pipes, well deserving of the coaches player of the game certificate. Coach Bill and his staff have been working hard to develop good teamwork skills. Keep up the great work!
Written by Lori McCormack