Oct 29, 2010 | mthibeault | 1210 views
3 Games Net 5 Points
October hockey for the 99 Minor PeeWee Lakers has proven to be an exciting, fun and successful time for our players, their families and friends. Upon completion of the past 3 games several indicators point to unparalleled team success and to a new era of hockey for this team. Alliance standings now post our 99 Lakers at the top. With 10 league games played and only one loss, our players have placed themselves among the leagues toughest to face game in and game out. We are becoming known as a team committed to “team first” play, a strong work ethic and a discipline to execute our systems and game plan, regardless of the score or challenges we face during the game.
99 Lakers vs. Chatham Kent 3-2 Win
The October rematch against Chatham Kent had the 99 Lakers southbound on the 401 yet again and playing in the classic Chatham Memorial Arena. The heritage of this classic arena inspired everyone but our Lakers boys until they were scored on late in the second period. With over 46 penalties called in a 40 minute game special teams were called upon at every drop of the puck. At 8:03 of the same period Captain Jacob Rooke scored on the power play assisted by Kuno and Collinson. Five minutes later Butchart potted the second goal with help from the D by way of Ben Derrough. With several successful PK’s behind them the Lakers went up two on the Cyclones thanks to Johnny on the spot power play goal by Collinson who found his way from the bench to net front to bury a behind the net pass from Thibeault. Despite controlling the better part of third period, our crew of 5 Lakers mistakenly allowed a Cyclones’ player to drive the net uncontested and release a quick shot on first baseman Brock Baier who made an incredible glove save late in the third, no doubt his best of the 14 he made. At the other end, the Lakers peppered 33 on the Cyclones' goal stopper. The Lakers left Chatham with a W and two points.
99Lakers vs. EMC 2-2 Tie
Elgin Middlesex Chiefs invited the 99 Lakers to Chiefs Day at Strathroy’s Gemini Arena October 23. From the drop of the puck there was no letting up. Midway in the first period, the Lakers went up one with a shorty by Noah Kuno who found a loose puck off his ankle while on the PK and made no mistake (beauty goal) on a one on none. Not to be outdone the Chiefs responded quickly less than 3 minutes later. The Lakers failed to clear the zone and paid the price with a quick tap in goal from net front. Again the Chiefs scored early in the second and went up one goal in a down low high pressure play around goalie Brock Baier. Down one goal Lakers showed their confidence by playing a free spirited style of play in their own end to the chagrin of head coach Jason Baier. Fortunately for them, they were able to breakout successfully and create an odd man rush and tie the Chiefs with a 3 man play by Kuno Thibeault and Hertel with Hertel potting the rebound goal. The Lakers out shot and out played the Chiefs to a tune of 25-15, next up, Brantford.
Special thanks to AP player Rhys Vollmer who travelled from Kincardine to help our club play over the weekend. Rhys contributed a solid two way game all weekend and helped our club obtain 3 valuable league points.
99Lakers vs. Brantford99ers 2-1 Win
In our first midweek league game the 99 Lakers were prepared to redeem themselves from a disappointing September loss vs. Brantford. A solid Lakers effort had the 99ers on their heels all game; unfortunately, Brantford found the mesh first on a power play goal in the second period. After several chances and bad bounces Blair Butchart tied the game on the PP with a solid deflection off a point shot from D man Landry teed up by Stockie's crafty pass. With the game tied the grinders, pounders and back checkers of the Lakers team took over and showed Brantford how committed they were to winning. Deelstra, Rooke forechecked hard and delivered big hits in all areas of the ice. The D brothers Derrough and Denny took turns throwing bombs at the net from the blue line while Moorehead, Landry and Collinson showed great puck control and delivered clean first passes all game. Hertel and Weinheimer mitigated damage on the half boards and ensured strong puck outs and outside attacks. With Brantford losing stride the Lakers pressed and forced Brantford in their own zone around the 6 minute marker of the third. Relentless pressure provided an opportunity for Butchart to move the puck to Moorehead who relieved it to Thibeault who then released it immediately blocker side for the game winner. Giving up only one goal Brock Baier prevented key Brantford opportunities from resulting in any Laker misfortune, including a key poke check on a breakaway mid way through the third... Lakers outshot Brantford 27-14, leaving Gretzky’s town with a sound and complete game 2-1 victory!
The 99 Lakers extended their unbeaten streak to 8 and look forward to an exciting weekend of challenging hockey as they are up against the Hamilton Reps Saturday Oct. 30th and London Jr. Knights Oct. 31st in St. Mary’s – game time 1 pm.