The Stratford Cherrey Bus Lines Warriors went into this past weekend needing two wins to take their eight point final series against the London Jr. Mustangs, and with a superb show of determination, grit and dedication did just that, claiming the Minor Bantam Alliance Bristol A championship title 8 points to 2. The Warriors travelled to London Saturday night to beat London 4-0, and then came home Sunday to clinch, downing the Mustangs 2-1 to take the title.
As has been the case for much of the year, an extremely strong back end continually stymied the opponent long enough till the offense kicked into gear. Goaltender Owen Hahn was superb in blanking London Saturday and Quinton Duncan was just as good Sunday, with only a penalty shot getting by him in the series clincher. Stratford’s six defencemen, Mac Starkebaum, Brett Maguire, Connor Otto, Brendan Moorehead, Trent Zorgdrager and Kobe Robinson were stellar defensively and major contributors to the team’s success.
Saturday in London, hardworking and gritty captain Hayden Arms needed to sit out with illness, a big hole to fill for Stratford. Carter Lewis, an offensive leader all season long, was also battling illness and was not at 100 % so defenceman Brett Maguire moved up to forward and scored twice in leading the Warriors to a 4-0 win. Connor Otto walked in from the point and launched a laser that the London goalie had no chance at all on, his fourth of the series, with Josh Smith picking up the assist. Tyson Hall went five hole on a breakaway late in the game to put Stratford up 4-0. Everett Hawkins picked up the assist. Although not appearing on the score sheet, strong forechecking by Kolton Debus was instrumental in creating one of Maguire’s two goals, the third Stratford goal.
Sunday at the Allman, Stratford came out tense and were not on their game. Although controlling possession, the Warriors could not find any scoring touch and frustration began to settle in. Down 1-0 on a penalty shot, Stratford started the third period with four defence and a centre out to try and create a spark and just 29 seconds in, Maguire knocked in a rebound to tie things up and send Stratford on their way. Otto and Robinson picked up assists, and Joel DenOtter was instrumental on the forecheck. Then just 58 seconds later, Luke Marcy blasted a Dylan Hall rebound in to give Stratford the lead. Debus also assisted on the winning goal, much deserved for the effort the trio put in all game long.
London put on a late push, hitting the crossbar with seconds left, but Stratford weathered the storm and were able to add the league championship to their division title, St. Catharines Early Bird and Innisfil Autumn Action Tournament wins earlier in the season.