Quinn Smith was a powerhouse in net, blocking and keeping the puck from crossing the line.
Stratford had rushes displayed by Cam Munro, Caden Ollson and Reid Morris during the first period. St. Thomas lit up the scoreboard first with 1:37 left in the first period, but that did not get Stratford down and they put a quick stop to St. Thomas momentum. They kept up the battle in front of their net and clearing pucks to the St. Thomas end until the buzzer.
Not long into the second period, the boys scuffled in front of St. Thomas net to earn the goal to tie the game! Scored by Jake Schultz and Morris, assisted by Keiran Johnson. Not long after, Stratford did some amazing passwork around the net to score a beautiful, second goal to take the lead 2-1. Caden Ollson landed that one, assisted by Will Pepper. Stratford took to the net at 2:36 left and used a St. Thomas penalty to get organized and Reid Morris sniped another goal all on his own, with 1 minute left in the second period.
During the third period, Stratford kept the puck in the St. Thomas end. Clearing the puck, Stratford defencemen, kept the puck away from our net. The game revved up in the third period. Stratford scored another at 7:21 by Piers Murray assisted by Johnson and Owen Blackburn. St. Thomas answered back with a goal at 3:54. At the 2:37 mark, Owen Blackburn fired one into the net to earn the 5th goal of the game. St. Thomas squeaked one in with 32 seconds left in the game, on a penalty play, but it was not enough to take the win. Stratford won their first game, in the Bristol Division, 5 to 3.
The Sunday, December 1 game, against Burlington was cancelled due to weather.
Next game action is on Saturday, December 7 at the Rotary Complex against the Burlington Jr. Cougars Blue, and on Sunday against the London Jr. Mustangs White at 3:30 at the Argyle Arena, London.
***Also, a reminder that Minor Hockey is collecting food items at the arenas to sponsor the food bank. Please bring a non-perishable, unopened food item to the game and donate to this needed charity.