Weekend Split for U14 Warriors, News, U14, 2022-2023 (Stratford Minor Hockey Association)

ALLIANCE HOCKEY Digital Network

This Team is part of the 2022-2023 season, which is not set as the current season.
News Article
News Article Image
Nov 17, 2022 | Dan Daum | 226 views
Weekend Split for U14 Warriors
     After a week of rest and recovery the Sutton Group First Choice Realty U14 Warriors were looking to bounce back from the numerous ailments that had the team down and out.  Their first game of the weekend would bring them to London to face the Mustangs.

    The game started with the Warriors keeping things relatively simple and keeping the puck safe and in the Mustangs zone.  When London was finally able to gain control they transitioned out of their zone and headed down the ice with the Mustang forward skating down the right side of the ice.  As he neared the top of the faceoff circle in the Warrior zone he fired a shot that beat the Stratford keeper far side for a quick strike to give London a 1-0 lead.  The Warriors looked to rebound with a nifty feed on a 2 on 1 that was turned away.  The Warriors specials teams both looked sharp over the coming minutes with both power play units moving the puck intelligently and getting some quality chances.  The penalty kill did their job by shutting down the Mustangs power play unit and even created a shorthanded chance after a nice body check in the neutral zone. 

    The second period started with Stratford building on the momentum that they established at the end of the first period.  The Warriors were laying some big hits and and their defence was particularly physical in front of the net "cleaning house".  The Warriors seemed to be controlling the play until a bang-bang play from behind their net derailed the charge.  After a nice save on a partial break by the Stratford netminder a Mustang was able to corral the puck in the slot and and shelf it for a 3-0 lead.  The Warriors again rallied and generated many chances, the best of which was an unbelievably patient deke by a Stratford forward with 37 seconds left in the period.  The period closed with the Warriors pressing hard on the gas pedal looking to get on the board.

    After getting a fresh sheet of ice Stratford came out looking to make an impression, which they did with more big hits, offensive zone time and a beauty shot to the top shelf that was snagged by the goalie's glove just in time.  The Warriors defence was also trying to create some offence with some aggressive pinching and shots from the point but the Mustang goalie was too much on this day.  A couple late markers by London would put the game out of reach.



    After having the night to think about the game that got away, Sunday would have the Warriors hosting the London Mustang White team.

    The game started with London getting into penalty trouble on the opening faceoff when they took a 4 minute penalty that would give the Warriors powerplay a chance to give the team a spark.  After getting thing set up they were able to create a quality chance that was converted for a 1-0 Stratford lead.  The Mustangs would look to answer back with a power play of their own later in the period but once again the penalty killing unit looked poised and in control.  With 4 minutes left in the period a Warrior forward was able to make the most of his opportunity when he beat the Mustang goalie and put his team ahead 2-0.

    The second period would see the Mustangs go to the powerplay early on but once again the penalty killing unit went to work shutting down the London surge including some timely saves by the Warrior netminder who seemed unwilling to bend to the relentless pressure.  Stratford would get back to what they do well for the remainder of the period, big hits, hustle and smart choices with the puck.  The score would remain the same at the end of the second period, 2-0 Stratford.

    With Stratford taking a 4 minute penalty early in the third the Warriors would need to stay focused on the task at hand in order to be successful.  With the penalty kill under duress it was once again on the back of the Warrior netminder to do his part, which he did in the form of multiple saves to keep the Mustangs off the scoreboard.  the teams would trade powerplays late in the game to no avail.  With time winding down London would pull their goalie and mount on last charge but the Warriors proved that they were for real and locked things down to secure the 2-0 victory!

The Warriors will look to keep things rolling when they travel to Hamilton and Sarnia this weekend...
Sponsors