Major Midgets vs Chatham-Kent Cyclones
The first period of this game was very quiet with few scoring chances for either team and only one penalty each. Jerry Ennett had the best scoring chance, driving to the net while shorthanded, but the netminder directed the puck into the corner. When tested, Lakers goalie Drew Reinhardt was very sharp. His best save followed a pass from behind the net and resulting one timer.
The second period was the most exciting of the three with plenty of action at both ends. In this twenty minute frame three goals were scored and eight penalties assessed. The Lakers led the penalty parade with five minors but redeemed themselves with two powerplay goals on three opportunities. The first was scored by Scott Coghlin’s quick snap shot from a David Sproat corner pass. The Cyclones evened the score moments later at even strength, but then gave H-P another man advantage. Coghlin and Jesse DeGroote began manning the point and worked hard to keep the puck in Chatham’s end. The next point pairing of Jeff McArdle and Eli Adair continued the good work. A crisp D to D pass from McArdle set up Adair's quick, accurate 2-1 slapper. Reinhardt maintained the one goal lead by staring down a three on one and stopping two shots. The Lakers ran into penalty trouble late in the period and found themselves down two players but Nick Boyer was solid as the sole forward, twice intercepting and sending the puck the length of the ice.
The Lakers got down to business really early in the third period. When the puck came from behind the net, Ryan Watson, Scott Coghlin, and Jaden Goetz joined the scramble in front. Watson sent it over the line at 19:16 to make the score 3-1. With less than ten minutes to play Reinhardt stopped a breakaway but the puck slipped out front and was jammed in for the Maroons 3-2 marker. Late in the period, with the Chatham-Kent goalie out of the net for an extra attacker, the Lakers didn’t go into defensive mode. Instead the players continued to press and shut down any offense the Cyclones tried to muster. Lakers win 3-2!
