Feb 14, 2016 | Bruce Schlitt | 370 views
Novice AA Drop Game 2 in Overtime
The Centre Wellington Fusion scored with 5:10 remaining in sudden death overtime to defeat the Novice AA Gryphons 4-3 and tie the best of 5 OMHA Quarter Final series at 1-1. For the second game in a row the Gryphons skated and battled and never gave up.
The game was fast paced and intense from the opening puck drop. Halfway thru the period Nathan Briggs streaked in alone and beat the Centre Wellington goalie only to have the puck clank off the post and stay out. Two minutes later, Centre Wellington cashed in on a scramble in front of the Guelph net and the score stood 1-0 after the first period of play.
Centre Wellington increased their lead 5:30 into second period to double the lead to 2-0. At that point, the Gryphons took control and the momentum shifted in their favour. Guelph went on the powerplay and Matthew Stam directed a shot on net that deflected over to linemate Nathan Schlitt who promptly tucked it behind the Fusion goalie to cut the lead in half. The Gryphs kept up the pressure and with 26 seconds remaining in the period, Tanner Bothwell fought off two Fusion defenders in front and banged home a loose puck to tie the game.
The third period was back and forth and several outstanding saves by Gryphs netminder Kurtis Abbey kept the game tied. Prolonged pressure in the Centre Wellington zone led to them taking a penalty with 8:30 remaining. At 7:35, Caysen Craig zipped a shot from the goal line that was too hot to handle and fell behind the Fusion goalie for a 3-2 lead. The game continued back and forth. The Fusion pulled their goalie and pounced on the puck and eventually tied the score at 3 with just 36 seconds remaining in the game.
That led to sudden death overtime where Lady Luck did not shine on the Gryphons on this day. With 5:10 remaining, the Fusion broke down the ice and scored the game winner.
If the first two games of this series are any indication, fans can expect a highly entertaining series as two evenly matched teams battle it out.
The series resumes this Wednesday with Game 3 taking place in Fergus.