The Hockey Training Above Novice Tier 3 Warriors firmed up second place in their division playoffs this weekend!
On Saturday morning the Warriors headed down the road to battle it out with Sarnia. With both teams looking for the second place finish in play offs the game was exciting right down to the final buzzer. With Aidan Hill on duty between the pipes he was tested repeatedly by an intense Sarnia team. Hill was up to the task and continually stopped shot after shot. The Warriors drew first blood on a goal from Carter Petrie to end the first period 1-0. One minute into the second period Sarnia answered back with a goal of their own. Mid-way through the second period the Warriors were on the power play and Petrie netted his second, assisted by Colin Slattery to give the Warriors a brief 2-1 lead. Sarnia decided to capitalize on the power play and ended the second period with two more goals and a score of 3-2. With the Warriors aware they needed a tie or a win, they pushed hard in the third for the go ahead goal. It finally came at the 8 minute mark on a shot from Sam Binns, assisted by Slattery and Blair Stokes. Determined to hold onto the tie Stratford worked hard with end to end action; Aidan Hill fought off a relentless Sarnia offense holding them at 3. The Warriors boarded the bus as second place finishers in the play offs!
On Sunday afternoon the Warriors played their final play off game against the London Bandits. With the Bandits and Warriors having firmed up first and second place (respectively) in play offs, heading into the play downs both teams could relax and play some solid hockey. The Bandits struck first late in the first period, but Stratford quickly answered back with a goal from Sam Binns, assisted by Carter Petrie. London responded with another one to end the first period 2-1. With a history of pulling ahead in the second period, the Bandits were looking to do just that but the Warriors fought back. Aidan Hill was solid between the pipes and was key in helping the Warriors hold the score to 2-1 to end the second period. A busy third period saw one Bandit coach removed and Stratford capitalizing with a breakaway goal from Colin Slattery to make it 3-2. A last minute goal from the Bandits gave them the 4-2 win.
Play downs begin this week with the Warriors taking on Sarnia in what promises to be a gritty series as both teams are looking for a spot at Provincials. Dates and times TBA!