Dec 30, 2010 | NathanT | 282 views
Port Perry Comes to Town, Hosted by PWA Clippers
Following a 10 day break from 'real' game play, the PWA Clippers hosted the Port Perry Predators in exhibition action on December 30th. With both teams a little short on the bench, and only an hour long ice slot, the teams eked in a 10-10-almost 15 minute format in an exciting and fairly even match-up.
The Clippers fielded only 9 skaters, with Will in the net and Kevin manning the doors. Predators, likewise were short a few bodies, with only 10 skaters. The teams matched up well against one another throughout the game, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
The Predators struck first only a minute and a half into the game, but the lead was short-lived in as Tratnik (#7) evened the score at 7:54 of the first in an unorthodox play from behind the net, deflected in from the defense (assists to Wood #4 and Dunlop #8). Clippers and Predators battled through almost 2 periods before the next goal. The Clippers held the line and Von Kaufmann (#12), fresh from the bench, powered in to score goal #2 at 0:25 of the second period (assists to Brown #11 and Rodgers #10). The one point spread looked like it was enough to hold off the Predators, until the Port Boys made good on a power play goal at 5:07 of the third. With some zip and desire, Gunathunge (#17) regained the lead for the Clippers 23 seconds later, with 4:44 remaining (assists to Von Kaufmann #12 Brown #11). With the clock counting down heading for the 8:05 curfew, the buzzer sounded with the Predators on the power play and on the doorstop, much to the chagrin of our worthy opponents.
The play was good natured, battles fair and well-fought, and both teams demonstrated some great skill and desire on the ice.
Coach Joe was creative with the line-ups, having to move up some D to replace missing forwards, and giving some new opportunities to switch-up the play.
Many thanks to Paul McCormick and his Port Perry Predators for coming to Stouffville for the work-out. We'll be looking for a re-match with The Port in the coming week or two as we prepare for play-offs. Coach McCormick jovially noted that he wants his minute and a half back on the power play to settle the score! Thanks as well to the refs and timekeepers for coming out on relatively short notice. And for those wondering about the man in stripes, didn't you just know Cam was going in the box???
Clippers match up with Whitby Wildcats on Sunday, January 2nd at the Clipper Complex in more tune-up, exhibition play with Messner and Carrick returning to the bench.
See you there Clipper Fans!!! And Coach Joe has strict rules: no breaking limbs on the slopes or in any other freak accidents.