Jan 30, 2017 | Tyard | 1039 views
WILD Weekend!
Play downs continued with the South Muskoka Bears and Huntsville Otter Midget teams tied one game each in a best of 5.
Saturday's game was in Huntsville and it was a close one! The Otters finally prevailed scoring the go-ahead goal in the 3rd period. Huntsville lead 4-3 late in the 3rd and unfortunately when the Bears pulled their goalie in an attempt to tie, the Otters scored an empty netter to post a final 5-3 win.
Sunday the series moved to Bracebridge and it was a festive atmosphere with a great turn-out materializing to see some exciting hockey and more importantly, to support an effort to raise some funds for Jake Thomas.
To begin the two game event, the Midget Bears were in a do-or-die situation. They played a great disciplined, energetic game which is the only way they can beat this very good Huntsville squad. Spurred on by a supportive home crowd, the Bears pulled ahead 3-0 and later made it 4-0 but knowing how explosive this Huntsville team is, no one took this lead for granted and sure enough, early in the 3rd period, the Otters scored twice quickly to close the gap to 4-2.
With more than 6 minutes still remaining, Coach Yard called a time-out to re-focus the group. It worked! The Bears quickly scored to make it 5-2 and then all 'heck' broke loose! On an innocent looking play a Bears player drove to the net but took pains to avoid knocking into the Otter goalie...as clearly seen on a video review, but apparently 2 Huntsville players took exception...or out of frustration...or because they lost their minds...decided to assault the Bears player beginning with a vicious cross-check. While the two linesmen held onto the Bears player to support/protect him, those two Huntsville players proceeded to throw many hay-makers into the defenceless Bears player. The result was those two Huntsville players being suspended. Incredibly, our Bears player was also suspended. Earlier in the game another Huntsville player had been suspended and as a result of a game-sheet with insufficient room to write all the Huntsville penalties down... it is believed the Otters coach will also be suspended. The game ended 7-2 for the Bears. I think everyone associated with our Bears team was simply relieved that no one was hurt and hope measures will be taken to ensure that 'hockey' is played by both teams when they meet again.
Congrats to the South Muskoka Bantams who also decisively won their game!
Finally, congratulations and thanks also to everyone who generously gave to help Jake Thomas and his family.