A Game to Remember  -- Junior B Hockey

Lambton Shores vs LaSalle Vipers
November 14, 2009
 

It was a game that lived up to the billing and supplied the best hockey entertainment our local Junior B Hockey fans have seen at home this season. It started with a solemn recognition of the Kayeden Brown Foundation and an expression of thanks for support to the fans and organizers. A prayer by Reverend Christine O’Reilly was followed by a moving rendition of the national anthem by the late Kayeden Browns’ class mates.
 

When the puck dropped the Predators maintained pressure in the Viper end for the first shift. The Vipers then caught the Predators flat with their first shot at 1:45 and opened scoring. The Vipers then capitalized on the Predators first penalty to take a 2 – 0 lead. Coach Dan Mudge called a time out to allow his team to re-focus and the results were positive. Brandon Stewart scored an unassisted goal on a power play to get the Predators started. At the midway point of the first period LaSalle managed to score again to make it 3 – 1.

They had several more good scoring opportunities but were held at bay by some timely saves by Sean Parker. The Predators then gained the Vipers zone and team  captain Dave Hutchinson raced to a lose puck in front of the Viper net. With the goalie out of position Hutch was able to bury the puck to pull his team to within one. Samir Jomaa and Brent Andriash earned assists on the goal. With a minute and a half left Brandon Stewart scored the second goal of his eventual hat-trick with help from Ben Woodley and Adam Arseneault. The period ended tied 3 – 3 with the Vipers having the edge in shots on goal 22 – 15. Shots on goal in the second period were again in the Vipers favour at 21 – 11. All five goals scored in the second period were power play goals. Kalvin Thornton scored the first one with assists going to Dave Hutchinson and Ben Woodley. A couple of minutes later Brandon Stewart got his third goal of the night from Matt Melo to give the home team a 5 – 3 lead. What worked in their favour on the power plays also worked against them when they found themselves short handed. The Vipers managed 3 straight odd man advantage goals to take a 6 – 5 lead into the third period.

Near the midway point of the third period the Vipers found themselves short handed and the Predators took advantage. Duncan McSorley scored to tie the game at 6 - 6  with Kalvin Thornton earning the assist. Nearing the end the game suddenly appeared to be in danger for the Predators. With 2:27 left in regulation they were assessed a tripping penalty. Then with the Vipers pressing, a slashing penalty put the Predators down two men to attempt to force the game into overtime. Again, timely saves by Sean Parker and effective positioning by the defenders managed to keep the puck to the outside of their defensive box. Then an attempted shot from the point was blocked by Matt Melo and he burst down the ice with a Viper hot on his heals. Melo was taken down at the Viper goal and they were assessed a tripping penalty. The teams then started the

over time with 3 skaters each. When the Predators returned to full strength their odd man advantage enabled Rhys Thornton to score the game winning goal. Ben Woodley and Matt Melo assisted. The Predator team took to the ice in celebration of their 7 - 6 win and saluted the crowd at the end in thanks for their support. It was a dramatic and memorable finish for largest crowd the Predators have had to opportunity to play at home for.

Lambton Shores at Chatham
November 15, 2009
 

On Sunday the team traveled to Chatham and engaged in a hard fought and close contest. Unfortunately with the game nearing the end and still tied at 1 – 1 Chatham managed to score again and won in regulation time 2 – 1. Kalvin Thornton assisted on the Predators tally scored by Duncan McSorley. Once again Sean Parker had an outstanding night facing 46 shots and was named one of the stars of the game by the selectors from Chatham.
 

The team will have a practice to ready themselves for a tough match Wednesday night against the Nationals in London. Then Thursday they can get another tune up for a return match with Chatham. They host the Maroons Saturday at the Shores

Recreation Centre. Lets hope they can build on their recent success and improvement.