Written by Dave Graff. The SMHA Cherrey Bus Lines Minor Bantam rep team competed
in the single A silver stick qualifying tournament in Woodstock this past
weekend losing a hard fought game against Brantford in the semi-finals.
After going ahead 2-1 early in the third period the Warriors closed off passing lanes and limited action in their own end in trying to protect the one goal lead. With three minutes to play an unfortunate bounce off the end boards off a 99er dump in resulted in Brantford’s first shot of the third period tying the game at two. Seconds later another bad break for the Warriors at their own blue line sent a 99er player in alone and he made no mistake in netting the game winner. An empty net goal made the final 4-2 Brantford. Carter Musselman had both Warrior goals with Caleb Musselman, Brady Ballantyne and Ben ten Hag earning assists.
In round robin action Friday night a tightly played game between the Warriors and host Woodstock generated very few shots and the only goal in this game was a Navy Vet five on three tally for a 1-0 win.
Needing two wins on Saturday to earn a berth in the semis the Warriors came through. In the morning they beat Milton 3-0. Ballantyne, ten Hag and Caleb Musselman scored goals while Patrick Holloway had two helpers, Jack Whitehead, Calaen Trupp and Connor Loerzel one each. Tallyn Soper stopped seven Milton shots for the shutout.
In the afternoon game the Warriors had an easy time with Oakville winning 4-1. Carter Musselman, Holloway, ten Hag and Caleb Musselman found the back of the Ranger net with Whitehead and Ballantyne each adding two helpers. Nolan Traynor picked up the win in net.