Lambton Predators vs Chatham Maroons
November 21, 2009

The Junior B Predators coming off their inspiring win over LaSalle and a tough loss in Chatham a week ago managed to build on their momentum to take a 4 - 1 win over the Chatham Maroons.

The Predators were missing some of their veterans from the lineup due to injuries, including their team captain Dave Hutchinson. They added three young local players to the lineup for the game and the boys all played well.  The twins from Grand Bend, Matt and Ryan Rupert held their own at forward with Matt scoring his first regular season Junior goal. Forest native, Tyler Prong playing defence also had a steady game and looked sharp with some good blasts from the point at the Maroon’s goal and he looked poised defensively.

The Predators appeared to come out fast on the opening shift but were caught by surprise at 2:16 of the first period when the Maroons opened the scoring. The team didn’t allow it to get them down and they fought back throughout the period Their perseverance paid off at 19:09 when Ben Woodley tapped in a high pass to tie the game at 1 – 1. As the team celebrated, the officials conferred after Chatham complained it was directed in with a high stick. It was ruled a legal goal and Brandon Ethier and Matt Melo earned the assists.

At 11:18 of the second period the Predator bench erupted when Brendon Merrit was drilled into the boards from behind and it appeared no call was being made. After the hit, the play continued towards the Maroon players bench. A minor confrontation in retaliation of the hit occurred and resulted in offsetting roughing penalties. The officials once again had a conference and a 5 minute boarding penalty and game misconduct was assessed to a Chatham player. It took almost 3 minutes with the odd man advantage before the Predators capitalized. It was Matt Rupert scoring with assists from Ben Woodley and Matt Melo. Two minutes later the Predators scored again when Matt Melo and Ben Woodley each earned their third point of the game by assisting on a goal scored by Brent Andriash.

The third period saw the Maroons trying to get back into the game by out shooting the  Predators 14 –6. However their efforts were frustrated by another strong game in goal by Sean Parker. It was at 4:40 of the third that Brendon Merrit scored the insurance goal to give the Predators a 4 – 1 lead. James Pursell and  Cam Downie got the assists.  Sean  Parker’s efforts earned him the first star of the game. Matt Melo and Ben Woodley were the games second and third stars.

The teams win and the loss by Leamington allowed the Predators to pull to within 6 points of the last playoff spot held by the Flyers. The Predators now have the week to prepare for the Saturday night game at home against the Leamington Flyers. It’s a game the Predators really need to win in regulation time to help them gain ground. Then on Sunday it will be their hope earn another 2 points in the standings when they visit St. Thomas to play the Stars.