Mar 11, 2016 | Jamie Jupp | 1106 views
Novice AE Advance to Tri-County Finals
After a hard fought, thrilling 2-1 loss to the Flamborough Sabres on Thursday night, the Novice AE Gryphons have advanced to the final series with a little help from Halton Hills.
With wins over Woolwich (2), Stoney Creek and Halton Hills, the Gryphons finished tied for first place after the round robin with a 4-2 record. They will face the Sabres in the final series.
On Thursday, the Gryphons carried the edge in play for most of the game, with numerous scoring chances. With the score 1-0 for the Sabres, in the second period, Ryder picked up the puck at the face off dot and picked the top corner on the stick side to tie it up. Unfortunately the Sabres scored the go ahead goal and eventual winner in the third and the Gryphons, though battling hard, could not get the tying goal past the Sabres goalie, who had a strong game.
Strong goaltending by Jude and Logan, and solid defense and penalty killing has been this team's hallmark through the Tri-Counties, with 2 shutouts and 4 of 6 games with two goals against or fewer. Calvin, Mcknight, Kaitlyn and Tristan have provided lots of offensive punch, but everyone has contributed, with goals from Owen, Chris, Cole and Ryder in a 4-3 win over Woolwich on Saturday, and an end to end beauty by Aiden against Stoney Creek.
The Gryphons will now face the Flamborough Sabres in what will surely be an exciting final as these two teams have played tight games against each other all year. Guelph has registered 3 wins, 2 losses and 2 ties so far in regular season and playoff play against Flamborough this year, with all games decided by 2 or fewer goals.