Alliance Playoffs
Lambton vs Hamilton

The AAA Minor Atoms jumped out to a 2-0 series lead over the Hamilton Reps after back-to-back 3-1 victories this past weekend.
 

Game 1 of the series was held at the Chedoke arena in Hamilton and saw the home squad jump out to an early one goal lead on a power play after a record number of Jr Sting busted through the offensive gate and on to the ice. With some solid goaltending by Jake Wilkins the Lambton boys started to find their stride and buried two goals in the second period to take a one goal lead into the third. After some chances at both ends Franco Sproviero buried the insurance marker into an empty Hamilton net. The goal was Sproviero’s second unassisted marker of the night, while Jack Johnston had the opening Sting goal assisted by Colin Leyton. Sting hardhat was awarded to Sproviero for his excellent efforts at both ends of the rink.

Game 2 at the SSEC the following day treated the crowd to a much better display of hustle, hitting and playmaking. Getting the start in net and backstopping a very solid defensive effort was Tyler Armitage.  After a scoreless first period, the Lambton squad finally solved the Hamilton tender with three minutes remaining in the period and added another with only seconds before the period would end. Four minutes into the third period the Sting would open up a three goal lead that would stay intact till late in the period when an ‘own-goal’ chest deflection would finally beat Armitage in the Sting net.  Marking the scoresheet for the Jr Sting were Colin Leyton with 2 goals and a single to Jake Burnard, while assists went to Brett Barnes with two and Vaughan DeGurse, Alec Dekoning, Isaac McLean and Franco Sproviero all with singles. With his two point night and physical defensive play, Brett Barnes earned the Sting hardhat.

Game 3 takes place in Hamilton on Friday night.