This past week Stratford’s Minor Bantam Warriors were locked in the semifinal round of playdowns with the 1st place Kitchener Rangers. After tying the first game through OT with the Rangers the Warriors
started to focus on Saturday’s home game at the Molson arena.
Both teams determined to win came out at full speed. After the first period the Warriors were down by two but the second period was explosive and Stratford scored 4 goals to take the lead. Kitchener would tie it up in the third and take the win in OT. Both Goalies made an appearance in the game and made several incredible saves throughout the match. Scoring for Stratford were Jackson Campbell (2), Mark Pyzowski and Quinn Appel with assists going to Dylan Fischer (2), Mark Pyzowski, Cole Humphrey, Nate Framst, Ben Fizell and Jericho McNichol.
Sunday afternoon the Warriors headed to Kitchener for game 3. Despite incredible offence, Stratford could not sneak one passed the Kitchener goalie and lost 3-0.
Tuesday night at the Duff the Warriors hosted the Rangers for game 4. With the Warriors displaying superior control they quickly took the lead and ended the first period 2-0. The two teams would battle back and forth and Kitchener would tie it up and then take the lead 3-2. Stratford’s boys kept their noses to the grindstone and tied it up in the 3rd frame but Kitchener would strike back to make it a 4-3 win and take the series. Both Koen Gerber and Jesse Merkel were fantastic between the pipes making save after save that thoroughly frustrated the Ranger’s offence. Scoring for Stratford were Beckham McLeod, Dylan Fischer and Mark Pyzowski with assists going to mark Pyzowski (2), Owen Gaylor, Nathan Gibb and Dylan Fischer.
Over the season the boys gelled, worked hard and developed into a team that are true contenders in their division. This has laid a solid foundation to build on for next year in order to continue to play at this high level. Big thanks to all the coaches, players and parents for making this season exciting, enjoyable and successful.