Almaguin Ice Devils @ Blakewood Construction - Jan. 14/17
Fresh
off claiming the Division B Championship in Schomberg, our next game brought us
back to reality, playing (for our third and final time in the regular season)
against the Almaguin Ice Devils, who going into this game had a 13 – 0 – 0
record for the season.
Our
first game against the Ice Devils was back on October 15th, 2016 and
we lost 10 – 6. Our second time playing
them on December 17th, resulted in a loss of 6 - 4, so gaining
ground.
The Ice Devils came out strong in the first period, scoring in the first minute to take the early lead. However, both teams put up a fight for the rest of the first period, not allowing either side to penetrate the net. Both Daichi Mc. and Ben W. did a great job intercepting the puck and keeping it in their end. Grayden Z. had a great shot on net that was “oh so close.” Corbin H., our goalie, was fantastic in net, blocking shot after shot from the Ice Devils. The first period ended 1 – 0.
The second period also saw great hockey from both sides. For the first ½ of the second period, both teams battled it out but couldn't make any ground. Mason W. made some strong shots on net but just couldn’t penetrate that Ice Devil’s goalie. Also taking some great shots on net, were Wyatt. G., Paige O., and Chase R., but once again, the goalie was formidable. Colton B. made some great shots to clear the puck down the ice using the boards. Corbin H. continued to make some great saves. Then, the Ice Devils scored another goal, followed quickly by their third goal of the game, to end the second period 3 – 0.
Could this be a shut-out for Blakewood? It was not to be, as at 7:53, Mason W. scored this first and ever so important goal of the game, assisted by Lincoln W. and Beckett R, to reduce the lead to 3 – 1. However, within one minute, the Ice Devils took another goal to make it 4 – 1. The final minutes of the game were phenomenal. Wyatt G. and Joshua D. played great defensively and made some great steals to prevent the Ice Devils from scoring further. Helmut A. gave chase in those last couple of minutes and was able to get the puck away from an advancing player during those last important minutes. Mason W. continued to bombard that “brick wall” that they called a goalie, but the third period wound down with us not being able to score any further goals; for a final score of 4 – 1.
While the scoreboard reflected the loss, it was definitely a win for our team. Each time they have played the Ice Devils, they have played harder and made the Ice Devils fight more for the win. They kept the spirits up; played hard and had fun. It was great hockey to watch. Congratulations team for playing as hard as you did.