The Stratford Scotiabank AA Major PeeWee's started Alliance playdowns versus Burlington with a win and a loss on the weekend.
On Saturday the Bankers fell behind 4-0 quickly despite carrying the play at times. The inspired Kelton Frey deftly deposited the biscuit while down low to put Stratford on the board after a nice feed from Colton Fountain. Tim Clay made it 4-2 on a nice dash from his defensive position. Burlington scored on a penalty shot but Stratford, with their goalie pulled for the final three minutes, never quit and peppered the opposition goalie. Shaun Pickering scored with twelve seconds left from Fountain and Dalton Carde.
Sunday saw the home team fall behind quickly again, 2-0. The never-say-die attitude and commitment to team play saw Stratford deservedly count the next four goals. Clay scored from Pickering and Fountain. With 6.9 seconds left in the first period and the faceoff deep in the Burlington zone, Stratford pulled the goalie and James Wilson won the draw to Evan James who fired a shot that rebounded for Pickering to dent the twine with 0.9 seconds remaining to tie the game at 2. Momentum carried into the second period with Clay scoring his second on a determined effort. Frey continued his hot hand with a terrific feed from Wes Keutsch after a lead pass from Jaren Ball. Burlington scored late to make it 4-3 but strong defensive play lead to limited shots in the final minutes by Burlington.
Stratford finished 7th in league play at 12-17-4 (28) while Burlington was 2nd at 22-7-4 (48). The six point series resumes next weekend.