The Tier III West Warriors, sponsored by Hockey Training Above, wrapped up a great season with a heartbreaking 1-0 loss in the Alliance West semifinals March 21.The squad travelled to Sarnia Monday night needing a victory to force a fourth game and keep their playoff hopes alive after a 3-3 tie March 19 and a frustrating 5-1 loss, March 20.
The teams opened the semi finals in Sarnia and the start was delayed an extra 10 minutes because the scorekeeper couldn't figure out how to work the clock. The team received a huge boost though as the game marked the return of Owen Blain, but the Warriors were still short two players due to March Break. Sarnia opened the scoring less than two minutes in after an attacker was left alone to the side of net minder Reed Bowles and they made no mistake on a one timer. With three minutes left in the first Colston Kibedi fed Nolan Miller and he weaved through the defenders and ripped a backhander past the goalie to tie it 1-1.
In the second, it was a goaltender duel. Bowles flashed the leather to snag a shot headed for the top corner and stood his ground with two players parked alone on the doorstep. The Warriors had several glorious chances on rushes by Owen Chambers, Owen Bridges, and Miller but also on opportunities in close. Unfortunately, Sarnia found a way to break through with 13 minutes left in the third to take a 2-1 lead. Taten Mikel, playing right wing due to the absence of two forwards, led a rush and worked his way into the corner before dishing a picture perfect pass to Colten Brenzil and he drilled a one timer that dented the twine with just over eight minutes left. A little over a minute later the Warriors went on the power play and Chambers' shot from the blueline deflected off Miller's skate and into the back of the net for a 3-2 advantage with 5:36 to go. Unfortunately, an attacker was left alone in the slot a minute later and they ripped one past Bowles. Solid defensive play helped kill off a body checking penalty to Cameron Parsons with three minutes left and resulted a couple opportunities to score. Stratford had several opportunities to score during the five minute overtime but the game ended with each team earning a point. Sarnia fired 15 shots on net while the Warriors had 14.
On March 20, the teams faced off at the Allman Arena and it featured the return of Casen deGraaf, but the Warriors were still missing one winger. Noah Brosens earned the start between the pipes. Three minutes in, a miscue in the neutral zone proved costly as the remaining defender was unable to contain the attacker and they found the back of the net. Sarnia capitalized on a rebound with 34.6 seconds left in the period to take a 2-0 lead. Chambers potted a short handed tally after weaving his way through the defenders to make it 2-1 a minute and a half into the second. Unfortunately, Sarnia capitalized on the power play to take a commanding 3-1 lead moments later and then added another late in the second for a 4-1 advantage.
Sarnia found a way to sneak one past Bowles, who came in at the start of the third, for a four goal cushion. However, Bowles thrilled the fans and drew praise from both sides for a marvellous glove stop with 3:48 remaining in the third.
The heartbreaking loss meant the Warriors would have to win March 21 when they finally had their full lineup intact. Once again, a game in Sarnia was delayed, this time because only one official showed up on time. After the 21 minute delay, the Warriors were "all fired up" knowing it was a must-win game and came out determined to play tough defence and use their speed to attack.
It was end to end action from the drop of the puck. Bowles made several great stops and stoned a Sarnia player who broke in on a breakaway with 7.6 seconds to go in the first. The defence made several blocks throughout the series unfortunately a clearing attempt with 1:28 to go in the second ended up on the stick of a Sarnia forward whose point shot took a strange bounce in front and ended up behind Bowles. The Warriors kept pressing however the Sarnia net minder made several incredible saves to nullify any opportunities they had. Miller fought off the defenders and broke in alone with 16 seconds left but he was robbed.
The Tier III West Warriors included forwards Nolan Miller, Casen deGraaf, Harrison Robinet, Colten Brenzil, Cole Hishon, Ryan Cassone, Owen Blain, Rylan DeBoeck and Mark Martin; and Owen Chambers, Owen Bridges, Cameron Parsons, Taten Mikel, Owen Hunt and Colston Kibedi on defence as well as great goaltending by Noah Brosens and Reed Bowles.
We are so proud of you Warriors! What a great season!
Submitted by Elaine Pennington