The Stratford Cherrey Bus Lines Minor Bantam Warriors fell just shy of advancing to the finals of the 42nd Annual 2014 International Silver Stick AA Regionals in Stratford, losing 3-2 in a gutsy effort against the Waterloo Wolves Tuesday at the RBC Arena.
The game was a see saw affair that went down to the wire, but the host Warriors could not come up with the equalizer despite some valiant attempts in the last six minutes. Defencemen Brett Maguire, filling in on the right wing due to a player shortage up front, scored both Warrior goals, with assists going to Brendan Moorehead and Dylan Hall. The entire Warrior squad played one of their best games of the season, and as exemplified throughout the tournament, had all players contributing in many different forms that do not show up on the scoresheet.
The Warriors earned the semi-final berth, with a heart stopping 3-2 overtime win in the quarter finals over the Stoney Creek Warriors. Joel DenOtter deflected a Mac Starkebaum point shot in with just .2 seconds left in overtime to give Stratford their ticket to the semi finals. Stratford trailed 1-0 early in the second when Josh Smith opened the scoring for Stratford, with assists going to Connor Otto and Luke Marcy. Stratford then took the lead in the second on the powerplay when Otto stepped in from the point and fired a rocket just inside the post, giving the Warriors the lead. This lasted, until Stoney Creek tied things midway through the third, sending the game into the thrilling extra frame. Hayden Arms and Kolton Debus assisted on Otto’s tally. Goaltender Quinton Duncan made some point blank saves to hold Stoney Creek at bay late in the game.
Stratford went 1-1 in the round robin portion of their pool, beating Stoney Creek Sunday afternoon, this time 5-4, but losing an early Monday morning tilt against the Guelph Gryphons 3-1. Against Guelph, Debus was the lone goal scorer in a close game, that saw Guelph score their third goal with 3:33 left. Smith had a pair of goals, while Everett Hawkins, Brendan Moorehead and Hayden Arms had singles in the tournament opener against Stoney Creek. Smith, Arms, Starkebaum, Debus and Hall all had helpers, as did Tyson Hall. Goaltender Owen Hahn played well in the win.