Orillia Returns the Service - Re-Taking the Lead in 2nd Round of Novice AE OMHA Quarter Finals
Back on home ice, the Orillia Terriers regained the series lead on Saturday, February 18th with a 4-2 win against the Clippers.
There were some bright spots for the Clippers in this game with the visiting squad scoring first with only 43 seconds remaining in period 1. Gabriel (#17) sprinted down two thirds of the ice, gaining advantage and putting a nice move on the goalie to net the first point, (assists to defensemen Matthew and Jacob). Unfortunately this marked the only Clipper lead of the game, but the battles were close throughout the 40 minutes of play.
Although the Clippers were playing well, the Terriers matched this goal about 7 minutes into the 2nd period bringing the score even. Orillia posted a second goal on an end to end rush by their premiere player, 14, who moved fast and wide around the defense, and cut in front with a top shelf, glove side to bring the score to 2-1 for the home team. While Gabe and David had their own sets of chances, and Gabe with near breakaways, the score didn't move again until #14 for Orillia out-maneuvered the defense and forwards, walking in from the right, tic-tac-toeing through traffic and making a clean shot from the centre to score low this time: 3-1 for the Terriers with 10:20 remaining in the third period.
Finally the Clippers had a break with Hayden (#8) moving the puck down the ice, and making a nice top shelf at 3:37 of the third. With the score within a goal, the team still had time to pull this game out! And Gabriel nearly managed a chance, but was taken out of play with some heav stick-checking interference, which turned the play back toward the Clipper zone, and generated goal #4 for the Terriers.
Nick continued to play amazing with some killer saves in the game, and was helped neatly by Matthew who made save number two on the open side following a dangerous rebound shot that nearly made it across the line. Strong passing up the boards and to the forwards assisted throughout the game, and the Clippers were certainly well poised to strike on the Terriers goalie. Ethan had a couple of big chances on their net early in the game, and the offensive pressure was a threat to the Terriers throughout the match-up.
It was a great game to watch, after quite a lengthy delay to start given that referees didn't show up. The coaches and managers had to work some cell phone magic to figure out the 'game plan' and locate alternative referees (which turned out to be the gentlemen who ref'd the hosue league game on the opposite pad just ahead of our game). As a result, the game started 45 minutes later than planned and the teams both had to return to the dressing rooms to await the Go- NO- Go decision.
Not the outcome we hoped for, but a very strong showing for the Clippers - with still more room for improvement in moving the puck and clearing our zone. This bodes well for game #4 when we can expect the Clippers to mount their best game of the year in their do or die game #4 match-up with the Orillia Terriers. We know we have the capability to defeat this team, with the right stuff coming together at the right time.
COME ON FANS!!! We need your support to tie up this series and force GAME 5!!! Next match goes Tuesday February 21st.
GO CLIPPERS GO!