Written by Lori Spoltore,
Hustle and determination was clearly evident by the Atom AE New Hamburg Huskies this past weekend as they continued their season play-off run with a split. The Huskies easily defeated the Hespler Shamrocks 5-0 with outstanding play from captain Jake Schweitzer and Brandon Ropp, both with three point games. Jack Weiler got the Huskies started with a beautiful unassisted goal late in the first period after poke checking the puck forward through the Shamrock defence. Schweitzer (2 goals, 1 assist) and Ropp (2 assists, 1 goal) complimented each other with strong team passing. An assist went to defensive specialist Joey Entz on Ropp's goal as well. Outstanding stick handling and hustle from Charlie Slessor and Aidan Voisin, and the defence was on top of their game with great play from Ryan Hillar and Luke Timmons. Tyler Jackman was steady in net for the Huskies and made some clutch saves to give the Huskies the confidence they needed.
In the second game of the weekend, the Huskies lost a close one to a fast skating team from Orangeville, 2-1 but looked better than they ever have agains the Flyers. After the first period the Huskies seemed to dominate with excellent scoring opportunities from Sam Herrle who hit the crossbar, and Corson Myers who got robbed by the Flyer goalie on some great shots. There was terrific goaltending from Max Evans, and many aggressive decisions in his crease were made. The Flyers took a lead in the second period and went ahead 2-0. The Orangeville team is very strong using the width of the ice and pass very well as a team which caught the Huskies off guard at times. Zach Hart was the solo scorer for the Huskies early in the third period with an assist to Slessor, and the Huskies did not give up. Logan Kleine and Adam Barr were excellent on defence and great hustle again from Voisin, Noah Walmsley and Myers. Scott Carey returned to the line-up after a brief illness and gave it his all. The Huskies continue this week with a game Thursday night versus Ancaster at 7:30pm at WRC. Go Huskies!