The record book will only show a 2-0 final, with 3 straight losses to TNT. Superficial stats observers and critics will see a team showing 6 consecutive losses.
What people who know the Minor Atom AE team and have seen this past month of games really know is that the Clippers played some impressive hockey, and for the most part, have been competitive all the way.
Game 3 had the hearty Clipper Carpools and Fan Club trekking to Tottenham while snow-maggedon started slowing the 400 and covering 89. All in good spirits and affirmed that it is worth the trip to Alliston, the Clippers did not disappoint. TNT was probably surprised on many levels! Firstly that we showed up in spite of early start time and ominous weather, and moreso at the tenacity and strong play put out by the Clippers.
Indeed, the Clippers dominated play for the first and well into the second period. Montanari was solid in net and well protected from errant onslaughts, and the forwards probably had more shots on net in the first period than the previous two games combined. The TNT coaches were feeling the heat on this cold day and the home town bench was quick to gripe and snipe at the unappreciative refs, who also travelled through the blustery conditions to make this game a go.
TNT finally broke through and snapped a clean shot by the Clipper netminder, which perked up their play, but the Clippers came back fighting hard. So many nearly-theres, it was exciting and heartbreaking. The score was finally evened up when Montanari was pulled and the Clippers had a 6 on 4, but the goal was called back to the horror of our fans. With only seconds left, TNT made an icing play right into the open net, leaving the scoreboard at 2-0 in their favour.
It was a fabulous game for the Clippers. Give TNT credit, their aggressive play, while putting up PIMS, also took away the time and space normally available to the Clippers with their own assets of speed and sharp shooting. It could have been a win as easily as a loss, not unlike game 2 which had TNT pull ahead in the final minutes of a 2-2 game. Tight battles characterized both these games, and the Clippers showed class and character.
That takes the Clippers out of OMHA contention, and back to the YS playoffs. Well done Clippers - great effort and hard work. Keep it up!!! The battles continue as we go into York Simcoe playdowns starting as early as the end of this week.
We`re proud of the class and team spirit that you all demonstrated through this tough series!!!
GO CLIPPERS GO!!!