Jan 15, 2024 | Duncan Bates | 76 views
U15 Gryphons Kick Off 2024 With Another Win!
The U15 Gryphons have entered 2024 with a bang, picking up where they left off before the holiday break, with a commanding 7-1 win over Burlington.
Guelph took to the ice in front of a large crowd and quickly set the tone for the game with strong offensive zone pressure. Wright started the goal tally with a sneaky shot from the point that found the back of the net and put the boys up 1-0, setting a lead that they never looked back on. Martin and Hanna each responded with additional goals before the buzzer sounded to end the first.
Entering the second, with a 3-0 lead, the Gryphons had a rare defensive zone breakdown resulting in a Burlington shot from the point that found its way to the back of the net, drawing the visiting team to within two. With the sting of a goal against, Guelph dug in and regained offensive zone pressure with Parker scoring a highlight reel goal out dueling Burlington's goalie with patience and skill going bar down to pull Guelph ahead 4-1. Bailey quickly jumped on the momentum with a 5th goal on the same shift. Despite the onslaught, Burlington continued to play a complete game but couldn't unwind Guelph's relentless offensive zone trap. Lever, sensing the period coming to a close, added to Parker's highlight reel from earlier with an incredible toe drag around the opposition to lace a tape to tape pass on Martin's stick who didn't fail to close on a beautiful play.
Ahead 6-1 and entering the third, Burlington fought hard to tighten the gap, finding more effective clear out opportunities and gaining possession in the neutral zone with greater frequency. The Gryphons were able to maintain their own pressure, forcing turnovers and regaining possession in the offensive zone but slowing on shot attempts and instead, favouring an opportunity to work on cycles and positional development. A parade to the penalty box for both teams towards the end of the third period resulted in a short handed Gryphons team looking to clear their zone and maintain the lead. A final minute, short handed, offensive zone possession resulted in a feed to the point and Hanna made sure to lean into it with another blistering slapshot finding the back of the net to wrap the game with a 7-1 finale.
The boys are off to Montreal for their next few games and hopefully a steady focus on systems play and continuing to build off their incredible momentum.
Let's Goooooo Gryphons!