Oct 06, 2022 | Dan Daum | 264 views
Trending in the right direction...
The Sutton Group First Choice Realty U14 Warriors travelled to Brantford on Saturday to open their season against the 99ers.
The first period started with the Warriors winning the first faceoff of the season, getting the puck deep into the Brantford zone and sustaining a strong forecheck. The team appeared poised for a good outing but the 99ers quickly imposed their style of play and put the Warriors on their heels. Brantford was able to strike first with two quick markers. Stratford showed some pushback when they generated a couple of scoring chances before the end of the period.
The second period saw the Brantford squad pounce again early in the frame. Once again, Stratford responded the following shift with more zone time in the 99ers end thanks to a relentless forecheck and some physical play including a thunderous hit behind the Brantford goal. This momentum culminated into a breakaway opportunity for the Warriors that was ultimately turned away by the shaft of the goaltender's stick. The 99ers were able to weather the storm and regain the momentum when they potted another tally on a 3 on 1 rush. The next few minutes would see the Brantford team with two breakaway chances. One of them was nullified by an inspiring backcheck from one of the Warrior forwards, while the other was turned aside by the Warrior netminder. Although the Warriors were in tough they were still activating their D and pinching down the wall in the offensive zone in hopes of creating some opportunities and proving that there is no quit in this team. Unfortunately the bounces didn't go in the Warriors favour and the Brantford team was able to capitalize for a couple more scores.
The third period presented the first Power Play of the game, which was a clean contest for the most part. The 99ers took advantage of their opportunity after a couple of in tight chances and a scramble out front of the Stratford net. Late in the period the Warriors showed glimpses of their potential with some impressive puck movement in the offensive zone. Ultimately they weren't able to break the shutout with their late chances. However, they did show that they are capable of playing some intelligent and skilled hockey. The key to their success will depend greatly on whether or not they can execute those two traits consistently.
On Sunday the Warriors were right back at it as they hosted their first home game of the season against the Cambridge Hawks.
They first period saw the Warriors come out strong and try to atone for their performance the previous night. Perhaps they were a little too aggressive as they ran into some penalty trouble. They were able to demonstrate some prowess on the penalty kill with solid positioning and some timely saves. Cambridge was able to find the net midway through the period. Stratford was again tested on the PK when they were shorthanded a second time. Late in the frame with a Cambridge player in the box the Warriors generated a few chances but couldn't capitalize. Frustration boiled over at the buzzer and Stratford would send another player to the penalty box.
The second period started 4 on 4 with neither team able to generate opportunities with the extra space. Cambridge added to their lead with a shorthanded marker to make it 2-0. The Warriors had another power play opportunity midway through the period but to no avail. With approximately 4 minutes left the Hawks increased their lead to 3 goals. Moments later the Warriors answered with a score of their own that was called back.
The third period saw the Warriors with yet another power play and they wouldn't be denied this time, scoring after a scramble out front of the Cambridge net. With roughly 5 minutes left in the game the Hawks were able to regain their 3 goal lead making the score 4-1. Stratford was a once again able to respond to a set back by notching a quick counter of their own cutting the lead back to two goals. With a player from each team in the box and time winding down, Stratford was able to make the most of a breakaway opportunity making the score 4-3. A great display of character and tenacity put the Warriors in the position to climb the proverbial mountain. With just under two minutes to play, the Warriors decided to go for it and pulled their goalie. The frantic final moments ended with the puck bouncing in favour of the visiting team who were able to add two empty net goals for the win. A great effort by the Warriors that are trending in the right direction.
The Sutton Group First Choice Realty U14 Warriors will be back in action at home tonight against the JR Knights...