U16 Stratford Warriors AA Win First Round Series vs. Hamilton
The Warriors rolled down the QEW Thursday night looking to end their 6 point series vs. the Hamilton Huskies.
Goaltender Brody Borszcz got the nod in net to try and close the door on the Huskies season and he did not disappoint. Both teams came out buzzing but it was Stratford who applied the early pressure and it paid off three and a half minutes in as Carter Petrie grabbed a puck that bounced off a few skates and buried it in the back of the Hamilton net to open the scoring. The Warriors kept the pressure on - notching three shots for every 1 they gave up, but no more would cross the line. 1-0 Stratford after one period.
The second period started with Hamilton squeezing out a few great chances but Borszcz was focused and steered shots away from the crease. A little over 5 minutes in the Warriors found themselves on the power play and after almost giving up a shorty, pulled things together to increase the lead to 2-0. Colin Shultz spun one past off a feed from Petrie and Stokes. Another 4 minute power play gave Stratford some great chances but that's all they'd turn out to be. 2-0 Stratford after 2 periods.
A late second period penalty put the Warriors on the ropes to start the third. The Huskies came out firing and Borszcz was unbelievable and defenders Rylan Hall and Blake Hodgson did their best to push pucks out of the zone. With 5 minutes to play and many Warrior skaters on fumes, Hamilton took advantage of a rebound in tight and popped one past to narrow the margin to a goal. Needing a goal to push it to overtime and a chance to extend their season, the Huskies yanked their goalie and added the extra attacker to try and equalize. The Warriors forecheck frustrated the home squad and their efforts were rewarded when Blair Stokes intercepted a pass in between the dots, measured up and chipped a wedge into the Hamilton end and rolled it into the net. 3-1 Stratford with just over a minute to play. Frantic to get the puck deep in the Stratford zone, Liam Ollson intercepted a pass and fought through to the side of the net and found Colin Schultz streaking down the right side to punch their ticket to the next round. Final score - Stratford 4, Hamilton 1.
The U16 Warriors await the results of the other playoff rounds to determine their semifinal opponent. Click this link to track.
https://alliancehockey.com/Rounds/26617/Representative_League_2022-2023_Under_16_AA-A_Constellation_Playdowns/