The Stratford Holloway Minor Atoms capped off an amazing
regular season this weekend with wins over Kitchener and Oakridge. The
victories bring to an end an incredible 14 game win streak in league play,
resulting in a first place finish and a bye to the semi-final playoff round.
Stratford visited Kitchener on Saturday and appeared to have the game in hand with a 3-0 lead late in the second. Adam Windsor and Noah Rusen-Steele each had a goal and an assist with Aly McLeod picking up a goal and Scotty Thornton and Kaden Eybergen each adding assists. Sitting back on the lead proved costly, as Kitchener battled back with three unanswered goals to tie the game. Fortunately, Kitchener got into some penalty trouble late in the game and Mitchell LaFay made them pay, notching a power play marker late in the third. Stratford hung on for the win in large part due to solid goaltending by Ryan Bell. Cohen LeSouder and Tyler Pogson each had strong games on the point.
The Oakridge Aeros came to town on Sunday for the final regular season game, playing for playoff position. Stratford was up to the challenge on this day, determined to end the season on a positive note. The Warriors played an excellent two-way game for a full forty minutes. Noah Rusen-Steele got the Warriors on the board in the first off of assists from line mates Aly McLeod and Matthew Whittemore. The warriors capitalized on a power play opportunity in the second when Kaden Eybergen passed to Callan Ferguson who fired a shot on net with Rusen-Steele on the doorstep to notch his second of the night. Oakridge got on the board late in the third, and kept the pressure on for the remainder of the game. Stratford successfully defended the lead winning 2-1 in dramatic fashion. The entire defensive group made good decisions moving the puck well to hard working forwards. Hardy Westman made key saves in the final minutes to secure the win.
Coaches and parents want to congratulate all the players on their excellent attitude, team efforts and dedication throughout the season. Good Luck in the playoffs!