The
Delivery Guys Husky Bantam LL3 closed out 2012 with a pair of wins against
their hometown rivals, the Husky Bantam LL2. The LL3’s notched a 6 – 3 win on
Thursday December 27 and were keen for a repeat performance on Saturday. They
expected their opponent to come out hard against them and they did not
disappoint.
Net minder Liam Saunders was tested early as the LL3’s fought off determined attacks that put the Dogs on their heels in the opening minutes. Recovery came in the form of a blistering charge by Kale Meyer with his example being followed by Mike Thrush moments later. Neither team could move the needle in the first but that would change in the second. Connor Ross was awarded a penalty shot when he was tripped up on a dash for the net but the goal post moves for no one. The momentum was clearly shifting to the LL3s with Trevor Brubacher and Jake Snider both registering shots. The opener came when Matt Elliot and Thrush won a puck battle down low with Brubacher picking up the trash in front of the net. Ross almost doubled the tally on another breakaway in the dying seconds but the LL2 goalie again denied him. The LL2 were clearly frustrated and drew 3 back-to-back minors early in the period that the LL3s nearly capitalized on with their puck-possession cycling plays. The insurance marker came from Ross on his third breakaway attempt, this time beating the goalie on a backhand deke. The Dogs were clearly controlling the play by this point and it wasn’t long before the hard work paid off. Elliot’s rush to the net hit the jackpot with Meyer getting the assisting credits. The finisher came with less than two minutes remaining when Cam Gingerich ripped one on the deck from the point to defeat the screened LL2 goalie. Brubacher and Elliot accrued the helpers on the play but it was an all team effort that really won the day for the LL3s. Special coach’s recognition went to Saunders for securing the 4 – 0 shutout, Ross for his exemplary offensive spirit and Elliot for his determined fore-checking throughout the match.