The Rheo Thompson Tier III Warriors are making huge strides with each game and it is paying off on the scoreboard.
The Warriors played host to the Oakridge Aeros, October 28. Malaika Kibedi got the start and was tested early and often. Late in the first, Jason Adair intercepted a pass and raced in and rifled a shot that put the home side up 1-0. Just 16 seconds later, Kibedi made a huge toe save, unfortunately Oakridge buried the rebound.
Midway through the second, Oakridge's superstar raced in on a breakaway and roofed it to make it 2-1. They took a 3-1 lead after capitalizing on a three man breakaway late in the frame.
Keeson DeYoung came in for the third period and made some huge stops, including a big toe save, to try and keep it close. The defence corps of Ethan Bridges, Alexander Erb, Colton Campbell and Nate Meadows thwarted many Oakridge chances and forwards Ethan Schmidt, Luke Hishon, Liam Micks, Owen Martin, Cohen Bowles, Ryan Watling, Jason Adair, Ryder Duchense and Caleb Hurley are doing a great job back checking. Unfortunately, Oakridge walked away with a 7-1 victory.
On October 29, the Warriors traveled to London for a rematch with the Aeros. Kibedi got the start and it was clear from the onset that the Warriors were a fired up group after a disappointing result the previous night. Midway through the first, Meadows kept it in at the point and fired it into the corner to Micks. He spotted Schmidt out front and he buried it for a 1-0 lead. Just over a minute later, Bridges and Hurley set up Adair. He deeked the defenders and then rifled it top corner for a 2-0 lead. The Aeros #10 superstar went to work late in the first, eluding the defenders before ripping a shot glove side to make it 2-1 after one. The Warriors outshot the Aeros 6-5 in the first period.
In the second, the teams exchanged chances but the Aeros were clearly pressing for the equalizer. Halfway through the second, #10 raced up ice and rifled a shot glove side that Kibedi got a piece of, but not enough tying it up 2-2. Ninety seconds later, Bridges fired a point shot on net, it was blocked out front but Hishon was there to bang it home and make it 3-2 with 3:35 to go in the second. Oakridge outshot the Warriors 11-4 in the frame.
In the third, the Aeros continued to press for the equalizer forcing Kibedi to make several huge stops trying to preserve the win. Unfortunately, with six and a half minutes to go in the third #10 found the five hole with a hard shot along the ice, that just made it over the line to knot it 3-3. Seconds later, #10 rang one off the post and in to give the Aeros a 4-3 lead with six minutes remaining. The Aeros continued to press for the insurance marker outshooting the Warriors 17-5 in the third. While it was a heartbreaking 4-3 loss, it proved to the squad that hustle, heart and hard work pay off. If they can find a way to contain #10, the Warriors can secure a win versus the undefeated Aeros.
The Warriors are back in action, November 4 when they host the Sarnia Junior Sting and
November 5 when they have a rematch with the second place North London Nationals