A pair of weekend wins have clinched a first place regular season finish in the Minor Bantam A Bristol Division for the Stratford Cherrey Bus Lines Minor Bantam Warriors. A 3-1 home ice victory Saturday against the St. Thomas Stars, followed by a 4-0 road win over the Kitchener Jr. Rangers Sunday, gives the Warriors 35 points with a game to go, four more points than the second place Burlington Bulldogs, who have 31 points, also with a game left in regular season play.
Saturday, power play goals by Connor Otto and Mac Starkebaum were the difference at the Molson Arena. Dylan Hall scored the insurance marker late in the third period to ensure the win for Stratford, who are on an 11-4-2 run since the middle of November. Brendan Moorehead had a pair of assists, with Otto and Tyson Hall picking up helpers as well for Stratford.
The Warriors put together one of their better complete team efforts of the season Sunday, in dominating the hometown Rangers 4-0. Kobe Robinson had a pair of point shots find the back of the net in the win, with Starkebaum setting up both goals. Tyson Hall blocked a point shot on a Kitchener power play and found himself with a full ice breakaway, making no mistake in pulling the goalie over and slipping it between his legs for the Warriors third goal of the game, unassisted. Everett Hawkins also scored for Stratford, on a play made possible from a Trent Zorgdrager point shot that created the rebound. Owen Hahn was steady when called upon in picking up the shutout for Stratford.