HPL Minor Bantams Advance to Alliance Semi-Finals
Submitted By
Jack Chaffe on Wednesday, February 23, 2011
The HPL Minor Bantams defeated Chatham-Kent Cyclones 6–2 in game five to win the series 7 points to 3. The Lakers now advance to play Sun County in the Alliance semi-finals.
Game # 1 in St. Marys was a very close tight checking game with the Lakers' Carson Brookshaw scoring the opening goal of the series late in the 1st period with assists going to Ted Nichol and Zack Jacobs. Chatham-Kent tied the game early in the 3rd but Ted Nichol scored a shorthanded goal with 1:29 left in the 3rd period for the game winner. Kenny Huether finished off the scoring with an empty net goal. Ben Larder picked up the win for the Lakers in goal, final 3-1.
Game # 2 in Bothwell was once again a close checking penalty-filled game. Carson Brookshaw once again opened the scoring for the Lakers from Ted & Blake Nichol. Chatham-Kent tied the game late in the 2nd period. Ted Nichol scored for the Lakers early in the 3rd from Blake Nichol and Nathan Smith to regain the lead. Chatham-Kent tied the game once again late in the 3rd on a power play. Overtime was played but the game ended in a 2-2 tie.
Game # 3 in Stratford the Lakers were ready to send the message that they were the better team as they fine tuned their power play and penalty killing the past week in practice. After a scoreless 1st, Blake Nichol opened the scoring from Nathan Smith and Brady Lauze. With only two opportunities to go on the power play the Lakers made the best of it going 2 for 2. Brady Lauze scored from Nathan Smith and Zack Jacobs then Cullen Mercer scored from Wyatt Lansdell and Jamie Huber. Chatham-Kent got on the scoreboard late in the 2nd, but this was all the offence they could produce. Cullen Mercer rounded out the scoring with an empty net goal for a 4–1 final. Owen West had the win in goal for the Lakers.
Game # 4 in Chatham once again started out close checking with very few good scoring chances. Chatham-Kent opened the scoring in the 1st. Nathan Smith tied the game midway through the 2nd from Evan Chaffe and Trent Dundas. The game stayed tied until 30 seconds left in the game after the Lakers failed to clear the puck from their own end, resulting in Chatham-Kent scoring a goal on a goal mouth scramble.
Game # 5 at the Goderich MRC the Lakers came out flying, but were only able to score one goal in the 1st: Kenny Huether from Wyatt Lansdell and Jamie Huber. Trent Dundas scored an unassisted goal early in the 2nd to put the Lakers up by two. Chatham-Kent replied back with a goal in the 2nd. Shortly after Brady Lauze had a goal disallowed, Wyatt Lansdell took a point shot that deflected off Nathan Smith to put the Lakers up by two. Chatham-Kent wouldn’t quit and came right back to score. After that the Lakers came out to finish this series off for good. Trent Dundas scored from Evan Chaffe, followed by Blake Nichol scoring from Ted Nichol and than Evan Chaffe rounded out the scoring from Nathan Smith. The last seven minutes of the game the Lakers played great defensive hockey holding off Chatham-Kent for a 6–2 final win. Owen West had the win in goal for the Lakers.
The HPL Minor Bantams will now face Sun County in the Alliance semi-final, one of the top teams in Ontario as they swept Elgin Middlesex Chiefs 3 games straight in their series. Check the Lakers website for game times and locations.
