Feb 07, 2016 | lgraham | 763 views
Warriors Struggle In Final Week
The Stratford Canadian Tire Warriors entered the last week of the Major Bantam "A" regular season controlling their own destiny to win their second consecutive division title,needing wins in their final four games. The task was well within reach based on their play over the last month, but Stratford hit a wall and managed only one of a possible eight points, finishing third in the standings.
Last Monday at the Allman Arena, Stratford was outworked by eventual division champions, the Cambridge Hawks, and lost 3-2. Brett Maguire and Josh Smith were the Warrior goal scorers, with Carter Lewis and Smith picking up assists.
Stratford still had an outside shot at a first place finish, by winning out and getting some help from others, but went into Kitchener Friday night and failed to muster any offence, in a scoreless draw against the hometown Rangers. Bobby McLachlan picked up the shutout and saved Stratford from sure defeat.
With first place out of reach, the Warriors travelled to Burlington Saturday night to face the Bulldogs and try to secure second place, but had their third consecutive disappointing effort, and were downed 3-2 by the Bulldogs. Ethan Scrimgeour and Everett Hawkins scored for Stratford, who led 2-1 going into the third and coughed up two unanswered goals, the last with 11 seconds remaining. Joel DenOtter picked up the lone helper.
Stratford travelled to St. Thomas Sunday morning to face the Jr. Stars. Destined for third place, the Warriors went in trying to right the ship and get back on track for a long playoff run. Although putting forth the better effort of the weekend, Stratford fell to the Stars 3-1. Trent Zorgdrager had the Stratford goal, with Scrimgeour and Lewis assisting.
Stratford will face the London Mustangs in the first round, a rematch of last years finals, won by the Warriors.