The Evoke Marketing Tier I Warriors earned two big wins on the weekend, including a thrilling 3-2 victory over the London Bandits on Warriors Day, October 1.
Thirty seconds in, London was called for tripping and nine seconds later Ryan Cassone used his speed to break past the defenders and around the net before feathering a beautiful pass out front to Owen Blain. He snapped it just over the goalie's pad for a 1-0 lead.
Early in the second Colten Brenzil was hauled down on a breakaway and was awarded a penalty shot unfortunately his shot hit the post. However seconds later, Cameron Parsons kept it in at the blueline and slipped it over to Brenzil who weaved through the defenders and roofed it high glove side.
Reed Bowles made several great saves before switching with Noah Brosens late in the second.
London managed to sneak a power play marker past Brosens late in the second to cut the deficit to 2-1.
After two periods the Warriors held a slim 10-9 shot advantage. Brosens made several great saves as the Bandits really turned up the heat in the third period peppering him with 12 shots.
The Bandits were able to sustain pressure in the Warrior zone with less than two minutes remaining and it resulted in a shot that rolled up Brosens' stick and in.
With a minute remaining, Colston Kibedi found Taten Mikel in the neutral zone and he raced up ice before firing a pass over to Rylan DeBoeck. DeBoeck brought fans to their feet with 55 seconds when he cut to the middle and rifled a shot past the Bandits' netminder for a 3-2 lead.
The Bandits fought hard for the equalizer but several huge blocks preserved the 3-2 victory.
On October 2, the Warriors travelled to London to face the Nationals and cruised to a 3-0 win.
Cole Hishon thrilled fans late in the first after he was hauled down on a breakaway and awarded a penalty shot. He made them pay giving the Warriors the early lead.
Parsons and Owen Bridges combined to set Brenzil up 10 seconds into the second and he made no mistake to make it 2-0.
Hishon sealed the 3-0 win after Blain and Cassone set him up late in the third.
The Warriors have two wins and a loss and are currently tied with Sarnia for first overall.
The Warriors are back in action October 8 when they host the Oakridge Aeros at the RBC arena at 7 p.m. On October 9 they travel to London to face the Bandits in an afternoon contest.
Submitted by Elaine Pennington