Mar 02, 2023 | Scott Siebert | 214 views
Playoffs - U16 Warriors - Game 1 vs. Hamilton
The U16 Warriors, sponsored by the Stratford Fighting Irish of the WOSHL, started quarterfinal action vs. Hamilton on Wednesday March 1, 2023.
Stratford skaters came flying out of the gate in the first period, keeping pressure in the Hamilton zone for most of the frame but came out emptyhanded. Brody Borszcz kept the Huskie attack frustrated as well making a few huge saves to keep the score knotted at 0-0 heading into the first intermission.
Five minutes into the second period the Warriors struck first, Colin Shultz back to Nathan Siebert who floated a shot from the point off the goalie and the post and Griffin McGregor batted the puck into the open net. Stratford was awarded the first power play of the game a few minutes later and wasted no time in doubling their lead. Dylan Abel up top to Carter Petrie, down low to Colin Schultz who sent a laser into the top corner. 2-0 Stratford. A costly turnover a minute later saw the Huskies walk in and buzz one past Borszcz to cut the lead back to a goal as we head to the third.
Both teams kept play along the boards and in the neutral zone for most of the period. As time wound down the action intensified, ultimately resulting in a Warrior penalty with less than two minutes to play. Hamilton took the draw, pulled the goalie and moved the puck well to catch a break and put home the tying goal with a minute to play. The Warriors would get some luck back off the next faceoff as Hamilton took an untimely slashing penalty with 46 seconds to play. The Warriors scored on the delayed call but it was called off, officials declaring that Hamilton had puck possession just before the goal. A timeout to catch their breath and shake off the call, the power play went to work. A few great shots kept the Huskie keeper on his toes and as time wound down, the puck was in the middle of a scrum in front of the net. Blair Stokes slid in behind the pile, pulled it out and dragged it across and fired it into the back of the net with 5 seconds on the clock - Assists to Petrie and Colin Schultz. Final Score - Stratford 3, Hamilton 2.
Next Action
Saturday March 4 in Hamilton - 6pm
Sunday March 5 - Allman Arena - 3pm