The Stratford Canadian Tire Bantam Warriors found
themselves giving up the first goal in each game of their first round playoff
series against the Brantford 99ers, but it was Stratford that outscored their
opponents on their way to a series win 6 points to 2.
In game 1 in Brantford, Jacob McPherson tied the game at 1-1 only to see the hosts score a late one and a 2-1 victory with Carson Dunseith and Michael Cossey picking up assists. Game 2 back in Stratford saw the Warriors fall behind early but they exploded for 7 goals in a 7-3 win to knot the series. Devon Carter scored twice, with singles going to Bradley Kraemer, Jarrett Baker, Nathan Ferguson, Dalton Smith and Carson Dunseith. Assists went to Dunseith, Kraemer, Steven Tuer, Nathan Hall and Evan Moorehead. In their return to Brantford, Nathan Ferguson led the Warriors with 2 goals in a 5-3 win. Jarrett Baker, Dalton Smith and Nathan Hall on a penalty shot rounded out the goal scoring. Picking up helpers were Baker with two, Smith, Hall and Brett Denny. Game 4 on Tuesday night saw the line of Jarrett Baker, Nathan Hall and Dalton Smith account for 8 points in leading Stratford to a 5-4 win to clinch the series. Baker scored a hat-trick, with singles coming from Hall and Nathan Ferguson. Smith had 2 assists with Hall, Bradley Kraemer, Devon Carter, Michael Cossey and call-up Brayden Carnegie chipping in singles. The Canadian Tire Bantam Warriors now await to see who they will face in the Bristol Playoff semi-finals.