Feb 18, 2018 | Bruce Schlitt | 657 views
Minor Atom AE Capture Game 3 To Take Series Lead in OMHA Quarters
With their OMHA Quarter Final series tied 1-1, The Guelph Gryphon Minor Atom AE's hosted the Milton Winterhawks in a pivotal Game 3 on Sunday evening. The Gryphons relied on a three goal outburst in the first period to pace the way to a 7-0 victory.
Both teams came out battling and the intensity from Game 2 carried over to Game 3. For the first time in the series, Guelph struck first. With 3:30 left in the first, Adrian Tersigni made a smart pass back to the point to George Dutrizac. Dutricac drove a shot on goal that was stopped, but Matthew Mainprize was sitting all alone on the doorstep to scoop up the rebound and slide it into the back of the net for a 1-0 lead. 46 seconds later, Liam Bendo worked the puck loose in the Milton zone and snapped a quick pass out front to Caleb Davision who redirected the pass past the goalie to put the Gryphs up by 2 goals. Then just 43 seconds after that, Matthew Mainprize sniped his second of the contest as he took a pass from Jackson Byard and drove wide on the Milton defenseman before ripping a shot inside the far post. Adrian Tersigni picked up his second helper of the night on the play. The score stood 3-0 for the hometown Gryphons after one period of play.
Guelph added to their lead in the second period. 7:34 into the second, Peyton Markwood snared a loose puck just inside the Milton blueline and wheeled around before blasting his wrist shot that found its way thru the five hole to add to the lead. Caleb Davision assisted on the play. Then just 1:48 later, the Gryphons moved into the Milton zone on a two on one break. Matthew Mainprize faked shot and fed a gorgeous pass out front to a wide open Adrian Tersigni. Tersigni smoked a wrister that found nothing but mesh. The score stood 5-0 in favour of Guelph after two periods.
Guelph added to their lead just one minute into the third. George Dutrizac cleared the Guelph zone with a tape to tape pass to Matthew Mainprize and the Gryphons broke down 3 on 1. Mainprize's first pass attempt was fumbled but he recovered to once again fire a perfect pass to a waiting Adrian Tersigni out front and Tersigni once again made no mistake as he ripped another point blank shot into the yawning cage. Guelph completed the scoring 1:17 later when Liam Bendo coverted off a scramble out front. Peyton Markwood and Liam Conlon drew assists on the play. The final score was 7-0 for the Gryphies.
Maxton Lambert was strong in the Gryphon nets and came up with several big saves to preserve his shutout.
The Gryphons now hold a 2-1 series lead as they head to Milton on Tuesday night for Game 4 of the series.