Nov 25, 2013 | Joe Heinisch | 353 views
Lightning Winning Streak Snapped
Sunday November 24, 2013
Game Reporter: Jay Nijhuis
It is very important for players this age to keep an even keel. Don't get too high when you are winning and don't get too low when you are losing. The AtoMc Lightning were served a big steaming bowl of reality this morning, learning that no game is over, even with only 2 minutes left on the clock.
Coach Joe and Coach Jeff we really impressed with the hard work, speed and execution of all the drills the boys did in practice on Saturday. Both coaches felt, that if the Lightning approached this game with similar effort, that we would be alright against an AtoMc Orange team that has been playing very well this year.
It was a wonderfully played game with lots of end to end rushes and excitement. Jackson M started between the pipes for us this morning and made some great saves and only let in 2 goals. It could have been much worse and he gave the boys a chance to come back in the game.
After falling behind 1-0 early in the first period, Ty C. spun around in the high slot and took a shot that deflected off a defenders stick into the upper left corner of the net to tie the game 1-1.
Late in the 2nd period, once again trailing by a goal, Ty C. went to the net hard and picked up a juicy rebound off of a Grady S. shot knotting the game 2-2.
Shortly after that Devin I. drove the net and slammed home a pass from behind the net from Zach C. and Corey S. also got an assist putting the AtoMc Lightning up 3-2 to start the 3rd period.
The third period had some great action and some crazy events as Referee's missed goals scored by both teams and, in this reporters opinion, they probably should have blown the whistle on the play that resulted in the game tying goal half way into the 3rd period. Goaltender Liam B appeared to have the puck covered in a goal mouth scramble, but players were allowed to keep digging until the puck was knocked loose and put into an open net.
With the game tied at 3, the Ref's skated by the benches and told both teams that there as only 2 minutes left until the end of the game because of the curfew. Moments later, AtoMc Black were going to be given a delayed penalty and all we had to do was get control of the puck to stop the play. We couldn't though, and a perfectly placed wrist shot made it 4-3 Orange just before the buzzer.
The coaching staff can't criticize the effort, the boys worked their tails off. It was just one of those games where some bad bounces and non-calls made all the difference.
The McDonalds Golden Jersey was awarded to Jonah V. who had a fantastic game on Defence. He was great at both ends of the ice and also made a really cool backhand saucer pass late in the game that also lead to a breakaway chance for us.
The AtoMc Lightning record now sits at 4-2 which puts us in 3rd place just one point back of Red and Purple who are tied for 1st
Don't forget we have an exhibition game against Cambridge Friday Nov. 29 at 8pm in the Cambridge Sports Park (1001 Franklin Blvd) and two practices on the weekend. See you then.
Keep Your stick on the ice.