Home Ice Has Advantages as Warriors Trail By One, News, Atom Rep, U10-U11 (Atom), 2012-2013 (Stratford Minor Hockey Association)

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This Team is part of the 2012-2013 season, which is not set as the current season.
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Feb 17, 2013 | tferguson | 918 views
Home Ice Has Advantages as Warriors Trail By One
The Stratford Perth Auto Dismantlers Atoms dove right into playoff action this weekend versus the Hamiliton Huskies, with games on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Stratford and Hamilton finished the season with exactly the same record, with Hamilton getting the nod for home ice by percentage. As such, the series opened up in Hamilton on Friday night. Both teams didn’t disappoint in a spirited affair that ended up with the Huskies grabbing the first game 5-3. Stratford’s Aly McLeod had two goals in the contest with Cohen LeSouder picking up the third. Callan Ferguson, Mason Petrie, Noah Rusen-Steele and Mitch LaFay all had assists.
Stratford made some adjustments to their game plan before hosting the Huskies on Saturday night. The Warriors came out strong, with some aggressive forechecking that paid off as they got on the board first on a nice give and go, with LaFay cashing in off a Jared LeSouder feed. Hamilton answered back before the end of the first to even things up. Stratford stuck to the plan and continued to battle through the second and into the third before Rusen Steele put the tribe ahead off a nice backhanded saucer from Riley Mathieson. Ryan Bell made a great save late in the game on a breakaway which prevented any thoughts of a comeback. Aly McLeod slid one in to the empty net with seconds remaining to seal the victory.
Back to Hamilton the Warriors would go on Sunday with the series tied at one game each. Stratford had a slow start, allowing Hamilton to score twice in the first before settling in and playing their game. The Warriors regrouped for the second period and were able to get one back when Ferguson fired one through from the point on a Stratford power play. Both teams exchanged chances throughout an exciting third period. Stratford had a number of chances late in the game with the goalie pulled and a two man advantage, but were unable to find the back of the net, as Hamilton held on for the 2-1 win. All members of this team of Warriors exhibited some tenacious play and great teamwork over the weekend. Stratford will prepare this week and host the Huskies next Saturday at the Allman arena, where they hope to continue to take advantage of home ice.