Jan 25, 2016 | Tyard | 777 views
First two playoff games in the books!
The Progressive Waste Solutions Major Midget Bears began their playoffs against Huntsville Otters this past weekend.
Home ice advantage went to the Otters so the Bears travelled to the large Huntsville ice for their first game. It was also Everette Nudd's very welcome return to the ice since late October after being off with an injury.
The game plan was followed quite well by the boys and a very close game was the result. The Bears scored first and at this point it was clear Huntsville realized we were not a push-over and in fact a threat! The Otters scored to tie it up and overtime resulted. It was a tense few minutes but a break down the ice, a smart move to the outside of the Otters defense and a blocker side shot by Owen Morris sealed the 2-1 win. The whole team played well with Mitchell Jones standing tall in net.
The second game took place in the ancient Bracebridge Barn otherwise known as the Memorial Arena. A completely opposite style of rink than the large Huntsville pad. Appropriately for this old venue, fans at this game were treated to an old fashioned barn burner! The Bears dropped behind 2-0 by the end of the 2nd period even though they clearly had the better chances but just couldn't bury them. Regrouping after the flood, they continued to play hard and scored 3 times to take a 3-2 lead with about 3 minutes left. Unfortunately, a face-off loss in our own end was drawn right onto the tape of a waiting shooter. The resulting shot was a lazer-beam blast that our goalie had no chance on and the game was tied 3-3 at the end of regulation.
Ten minutes of thrilling end-to-end overtime action solved nothing so each team was awarded a point.
While the tie was a disappointment after a great comeback in the 3rd period, 3 of a possible 4 points were gained in the first-to-six point series. There is a long tough road ahead for these Bears just to get by Huntsville but they now know they can do it if they can muster the energy and discipline to execute.
It's going to be another great weekend of hockey next weekend so come out, bring your friends and family and enjoy the best hockey in town! Game times are 9:10 pm Saturday in Huntsville and 7 pm Sunday in Bracebridge.
GO BEARS!!!