The Stratford Minor Atom Rep Warriors, sponsored by Holloway Automotive Supply Ltd. started the weekend with their first win of the regular season!.
It was against the London Purple Jr. Mustangs, away in London, on Saturday, October 6, 2018. During the first period, Stratford tried to use two early power plays to their advantage, but the puck didn’t find the net. In the second period, Nate Van Bakel picked up a loose rebound and slid it into the bottom of the Mustang’s net, assists being given to Graedon Smith and Piers Murray. Carter Keating was a force in the Warrior’s net, keeping a lot of shots from passing the pads. After a solid pass from Evan Hughs, Tyler Jackson fired a shot and found the Mustang corner, amid a scramble in front of the net making the scoreboard read 2-0. Owen Blackburn followed with a shot from the point on a power-play, bouncing off a high Mustang stick and the puck found the back of net to score 3-0! Keating finished the second period by stopping a breakaway. In the third period, defence-men sticks kept the Mustang shots to a minimum. Graedon Smith had an end to end rush and beat the goaltender cold to make the score 4-0. Keating, kept his shut-out until the 7 minute mark of the third, when the Mustangs found a late goal. But, it wasn’t enough to keep the Stratford Minor Atom Rep Warriors from earning their first big win of the season over the Mustangs, with a score of 4-1!
The second game of the weekend was played at home, on Sunday, October 7, 2018 against The Hamilton Huskies. Hamilton started the game with two early goals in the first period. The warriors rallied, with the forwards taking lots of shots at the Huskie Goalie, but could not find the back of the net during the first period. Stratford's first goal was scored by Evan Hughes at the 8 minute mark and it was assisted by Owen Blackburn. In the third period, Jack Bannon shot a loose puck from the point, that slid under the goalie to squeak past the line - perfect for Jack celebrating his Birthday! Evan Hughes earned the assist.This brought the goals for Stratford to 2, but not enough to gain the win. Hamilton Huskies won 7-2. Even with the loss, the Stratford players showed their persistence and grit throughout the entire game. Even though a few pucks snuck by Quinn Smith, he demonstrated quick gloves and pads in net, and a determination to stop numerous shots on net by the Mustangs.
The next season play will be an away game in Burlington on October 13th, against the Bulldogs. Let's Go Warriors!!!
Written by Tarra Green