The
stage was set. Game #5 on a Saturday afternoon at the Allman arena with the
home crowd buzzing with anticipation. The Minor Atom Warriors entered the game
up three to one in the series, with an opportunity to eliminate the competition
and finish the season on top. They did not disappoint!
Despite Brantford getting on the scoreboard first, the Warriors remained persistent. The home team evened things up early in the second on a Jared LeSouder goal, assisted by Callan Ferguson and Mitch LaFay. This eventually led to a Brantford goaltender change mid-way through the frame. LeSouder quickly welcomed the new netminder, ripping a wrist shot top shelf putting the Warriors ahead by one. Cohen LeSouder and Riley Mathieson each had assists on the goal. Hardy Westman was a rock between the pipes, making key saves throughout the contest and keeping Brantford at bay. In the third period, a Brantford player made good on a neutral zone turn over, knotting the score at two. Stratford would not be discouraged and continued to take it to Brantford, firing pucks and going hard to the net. With time ticking down and fans on the edge of their seats, Aly McLeod sent the home crowd roaring to their feet, as she pounced on a rebound and fired it to the back of the net. Matthew Whittemore and Cohen LeSouder both assisted on the marker. Stratford continued to battle hard for the remainder of the game, never really allowing Brantford a sniff at an equalizer. All three Stratford lines were firing on all cylinders for the entire game, ensuring the victory!
The Minor Atoms celebrated the end of an amazing season, which included finishing things off with an impressive 22-1 winning streak. That single loss came on Thursday when the Warriors visited Brantford for game 4 with a chance to sweep the series. Stratford came out obviously tense and nervous in the first period, falling behind a goal. Jared LeSouder got the warriors on the board late in the second on the power play assisted by Mitch LaFay and Aly McLeod. Brantford answered with a powerplay marker of their own before Mitch LaFay scored in the third assisted by Adam Monteith and Callan Ferguson. Brantford was able to get the go-ahead marker late in the third, and this time, Stratford was unable to answer back. Despite the loss, Ryan Bell played one of his best games of the year in net for Stratford.
Coaches and parents are extremely proud of the team`s accomplishments as they displayed great teamwork, sportsmanship and determination throughout the season.