Legion  Honours  Legionnaires  -  Junior B Hockey

The growth and improvement in play has been evident in the last few games for the Predators Junior B team. A couple of wins recently and some very close games against Sarnia is a significant ray of hope.

A week ago Tuesday the team played in Strathroy and lost to the Rockets 7 – 3. It was a game which saw few penalties but each team did manage to score one power play goal.The Rockets jumped out to a quick two goal lead early in the game and added another mid way through the first to take a 3 – 0 lead. Their only penalty in the game allowed the Predators the odd man advantage which they capitalized on 10 seconds after the infraction. Ben Woodley scored with Brenden Merrit and Dave Hutchinson assisting.

Strathroy widened the gap with one goal in the second period. Then both teams scored twice in the third. Kalvin Thornton opened the scoring in the third with an unassisted goal. A late goal by Duncan McSorley from Coy Kulich and Cody Curts and another from Strathroy closed out the game.

Last Thursday was the first of two games with the Sarnia Legionnaires. It was played at the Brock St. arena where the Legionaires won the contest 6 – 3. The score was not an indication of the game in that the Predators controlled a lot of the play and out shot the home team 50 – 42. Unfortunately they ran into a very hot goalie who was named the  

games’ first star. The other difference was Sarnia managing to score two of their goals while short handed. The Predators continued to play hard but couldn’t overcome the difference. The three goals they did manage were scored by Duncan McSorley, James Pursell and Kalvin Thornton. Brenden Merrit and Cody Curts along with the twins from Grand Bend, Matt and Ryan Rupert all earned assists. 

Last Saturday was the return match at the Shores Recreation Centre. The Forest Legion Branch 176 was represented at the beginning of the game with President Earl Chaffe and Sgt. At Arms Bruce Douglas accompanying Associate Member Geordie Simpson who sang the National Anthem. The team also presented Predator player Matt Melo with an award for being named the team’s player of the month for the month of November.

When the puck dropped both teams played well in the first period which ended scoreless. Even though the Predators had 3 penalties to 1 for Sarnia they managed to outshoot the visiting team 13 – 11. Sarnia then managed to score midway through the second period. They started the third period leading 1 – 0 and took a 2 – 0 lead early in the frame. Their goal was answered back less than a minute later when Brandon Stewart scored with Adam Arseneault and Matt Melo assisting. In the later stages of the game with the Predators pressing Kyle Washer in goal for Sarnia made a game saving toe save to preserve the win for the Legionnaires. The final shots on goal were 38 – 32 for the Predators. Fans in attendance at the games recently have remarked about the Predators improved play. More tape to tape passes and fewer unforced give a ways are helping to pave the way and make them a much tougher opponent to play against.