The Stratford Warriors Novice Tier III West, sponsored by Hockey Training Above, traveled to Sarnia December 12 to face the high powered Sarnia Junior Sting.
The long bus ride was a first for the players and they didn't seem to have their legs and it cost them. The squad was also playing short a forward as Nolan Miller was attending a special ceremony to mark his father's 1000th game as a linesman in the National Hockey League. The Warriors want to congratulate Steve on this achievement.
Sarnia held a 3-0 lead after the first period and then early in the second Casen deGraaf's hard work created a turnover and he found Owen Blain who broke up ice. He was held up at the bluel ine so Ryan Cassone picked it up and fired a low shot from the top of the face off circle. It found the back of the net to make it 3-1.
Sarnia took advantage of several defensive miscues to build a 7-1 lead early in the third. Colston Kibedi forced a turnover and charged up ice. He fed it to Colten Brenzil who worked a little magic when he snapped it past the Sting net minder. Unfortunately Sarnia added two more late to walk away with a 9-2 victory.
Reed Bowles and Noah Brosens made some solid saves in the contest.
The Warriors will be out to redeem themselves when they host the Oakridge Aeros at the Arena at 4:30 p.m. December 19. They travel to London December 20 to face the West London Hawks 3.
Written by Elaine Pennington.