The Stratford Hiller Realty Minor PeeWee Warriors opened their playoff season over the long weekend against the Woodstock Jr. Navy Vets. It was a home and home battle to start the series. Both teams played strong, gritty playoff hockey and it was Stratford who was able to pick up wins in both games, each by a single goal.
Game 1 was played in Stratford at the Allman Arena on Saturday night; it was a back and forth game and goaltender’s dual. Stratford scored a late goal that proved to be the winner in a 1-0 victory. Michael Messerschmidt scored the goal for the Warriors with an assist going to Sean Chisholm. Tyler Parr was very solid in net for Stratford controlling play in the Stratford zone, and picking up the shutout.
Game 2 was played in Woodstock and Stratford got off to a slow start, spotting the home team a 2-0 lead, midway through the game. The second half was a different story however as Stratford played inspired hockey and scored four unanswered goals. The Warriors were able to kill off several penalties in the game, but surrendered one powerplay goal in the final seconds, which proved not to be enough for Woodstock. Stratford won the game 4-3. Goal scorers for Stratford were Sean Chisholm with two, Jakob Partridge and Josh McNaughton with singles. Drawing assists in the game were Michael Messerschmidt with two, Jakob Partridge, Josh McNaughton, Sean Chisholm and Dean Simons. Stratford will play Thursday night at the Dufferin Arena with a chance to close out the series on home ice.