The Rheo Thompson Tier III Warriors opened their season with an exhibition game vs New Hamburg Novice AE in New Hamburg on September 17.
Facing a combined squad of 2009 and 2010 born players, the Warriors knew that they were in for a real test.
Malaika Kibedi got the start in net and stood tall making several solid stops. Unfortunately the home side built a 2-0 lead before Ethan Schmidt intercepted a play with 2:44 to go in the first. He raced up ice and found the back of the net to cut the deficit to one on the Warriors third shot of the game. The first ended with the boys down 2-1 but outshot 13-4. Schmidt with two shots on net, Owen Martin and Jason Adair each came close.
In the second, New Hamburg turned it up peppering Kibedi with several shots before sneaking one in with 11:20 to go. They kept the pressure on and were able to tap in a rebound with 4:33 to go in the second for a 4-1 lead.
Keeson DeYoung then came in for his first taste of action unfortunately New Hamburg snuck one past him and held a 5-1 lead on 29 shots after 30 minutes of play.
The 20 minute third period saw the Warriors defence and offence start to gain confidence as they held New Hamburg without a shot for nine and a half minutes and start to put pressure on the home side.
DeYoung made a highlight reel toe save in the third and after New Hamburg built a 6-1 lead, Martin found the five hole to make it 6-2. Unfortunately, a strong New Hamburg went on to an 8-2 victory on 36 shots.
The Warriors are back in action September 23 and 24 with back to back Exhibition games versus Woodstock.