Lambton Jr. Sting Minor Midget AAA went 0 - 2 on the Weekend
monday february 10, 2014
The Lambton Jr. Sting were lost the playdown seried this weekend after losing two games to the Kitchener Jr. Rangers in the Playdown series.
"Disappointing obviously" Head Coach Jeff Perry said after Sunday's game. "Our goal all year long was to try and achieve and get to the OHL Cup. When you come within a game and give up that opportunity two years in a row it certainly stings right now."
Heading into the weekend the Jr. Sting were leading the six points series 2 games to one. On Saturday in Kitchener the Jr. Sting took a 3 - 1 loss and Sunday Kitchener took the win with a final score of 5 - 1.
In Saturday's game Brock Perry assisted by Alec DeKoning scored the lone goal midway into the first period. Kitchener tied it up less than a minute later with Matthieu Mercier scoring.
In the second period at 1:23 Kitchener scored the only goal to take the 2 - 1 lead. Owen Lane scored the eventlual game winner unassisted. Action continued for the rest of the second and third and as the two teams approached the final minute Lambton pulled their goal for the extra man only to have Lane score into the empty name to secure the win.
Kitchener outshot the Jr. Sting 31 - 23. Alex Knispel picked up the win with 22 saves. Kaden Fulcher and Nolan Hakr share the loss with a combine total of 28 saves.
On Sunday Kitchener scored 3 power play goals in the 5 - 1 game. Lambton took a total of 20 minutes in penalties on 10 infractions. Kitchener took 9 minutes on 3 infractions.
"I think it was one of those things that I don't want to use that as an excuse or crutch. I think at one point in time players become a little more frustrated with the calls as well but ultimately you got to find your way through it you can't let that stuff affect you."
Kitchener scored 1 goal in the first period and went on and score 2 in both the second and third periods. Tyler Hourie scored the last goal of the day and only goal for the Jr. Sting on a power play assisted by Eric Marsh.
Matthieu Mercier led the Jr. Rangers with 2 goals and singles by Nathan Hamer, Jason Willms and Nic Hague.
"I thought our execution wasn't very good. Our passes were off and to give Kitchener credit we were separated by one point in the season so it wasn't like it was an upset. It was two teams that were well evenly matched and they obviously came with a much better game today then what we did." Perry said
Kitchener outshot the Jr. Sting in this game 40 - 26. Kaden Fulcher went the distance for the Jr. Sting with 35 saves. Alex Knispel earned the win making 25 saves.
Not in the lineup for Sunday's game was one of the Jr. Sting's top goal scorers Brock Perry who was injured on Saturday. Alex Dekoning who led the team in points left the game after the first period due to injury.
"Alec and Brock they been playing together since Minor Atom so they do have a connection when they are on that ice. When they are on a power play they execute quite well, not that we had a lot of them today, but anytime you take any player out of lineup it takes you out of sync and when you take players out of your line that play in all situation it makes it that much more difficult."
The season continues for the Jr. Sting as they will now compete in the Playoff series.
"You have to take it serious." Perry said "I explained to these kids that this is a huge year in regards to the OHL draft year and we all know the Scouts are in the building whether it's a playoff or playdown game. Even though everyone likes to call it "the toilet bowl" if your not successful there then your not successful. If these players want to get exposed and be able to be seen by Ontario Hockey League Scouts I think the writings on the wall and you want to continue playing."
Lambton will be facing off against Huron Perth.
