2017-2018 Minor Atom | Mar 10, 2018 | Bruce Schlitt | 2196 views
Minor Atom AE Bound For OMHA Finals After Game 5 Victory
The magical ride that has been the 2018 playoffs for the Minor Atom AE Gryphons will continue for another round as the Gryphons came up with their best team effort of the season on route to a 6-3 Game 5 victory over the Oakville Rangers. The victory sends the feisty Gryphs off to the OMHA finals to face the Barrie Colts.
The Gryphons came ready to play and had the jump from the opening whistle. However, it was Oakville that struck first as they quickly jumped out to a 1-0 lead just 1:30 into the contest. But the Gryphons jumped right back just 20 seconds later. Gryphon sniper Matthew Mainprize picked up a loose puck and zipped down the ice and snapped a wrist shot home to even the score 1-1. The game was tied at one apiece after one period of play.
A four goal second period for the Gryphons allowed them to jump out to a big lead. 3:50 into the second period while on the powerplay, the puck came back to defenseman Peter Schlitt. Schlitt waited, and waited, and then ripped a shot on net that was deflected by Caleb Davison who had set up shop in front of the net. This gave Guelph their first lead of the game and one they would not relinquish. Three minutes later, Liam Bendo picked off a clearing attempt and drove to the net before ripping the puck home for a 3-1 lead. Then just 27 seconds later, Mainprize added his second of the game with Adrian Tersigni picking up the helper. Just before the dominating second period came to a close, Milan Wilson scored off a scramble to make the score 5-1 in favour of Guelph. Matthew Mainprize and Peter Schlitt assisted on the play.
With 8:47 left, Oakville fought back to make the score 5-2. But Liam Conlon on an end to end rush with a beautiful backhand deke just 36 seconds later restored the four goal cushion and took away any momentum that Oakville could generate. Oakville closed the gap on a fluke goal a minute later but that would be as close as it would get and the Gryphons wildly celebrated their series win that has incredibly advanced them to the OMHA finals.
The Gryphons will now enjoy a week's rest before squaring off with the Barrie Colts.