Big Performance Under Pressure
Submitted By volunteer on Monday, January 18, 2010
On Friday night, the Canadian Tire Atom Reps travelled to Goderich for game two of there best of seven series. Down one game and giving up six goals in the previous game, the Kinucks new their defense had to be better.
With a five on three advantage, Jake Colley scored top shelf off a Rhys Vollmer rebound giving Kincardine the early lead and confidence they needed. Emma Swift played one of her best games of the year on defense the Kinucks held Goderich of the scoreboard through the first and second period. Playing sick Christopher Coady work hard on the forecheck, while Tori Hodgins and Cara Colhoun grinded in the corners.
With ten minutes left Goderich broke out of their zone and put one past goalie Jamie Brock to tie the game 1-1. In overtime Goderich put away the Kinucks and added to their series lead going up 2-0.
Sunday was game three and the Atoms were in a must win situation. On the first shift Colley tipped in a shot from Danny Skinner at the point only to have it called off. The second shift goal of Rainor Kuz, however, would stick and the Kinucks led 1-0 early. Brock was on his game and shut down the Sailors scoring chances over and over again.
Bryce McFadden was due for a goal and with the team owner in the stands need a big performance. McFadden picked up the puck and broke through the Sailors defense and jammed one home.
The Kinucks were up 2-0 going into the second when Skinner went coast to coast flipping a bank hander top shelf over the sprawling goaltender. Goderich made it 3-1 when, Pickett took a long pass from Colley and scored on his forehand. Down 4-1 the Sailors didn't give up getting one more goal with the game finishing Kincardine 4 - Goderich 2.
The defensive core of Jacob Bishop, Alice Thorpe, Raven Sharp, Skinner and Swift played strong defense in their own end and have made the difference in the series.
Game four takes place in Goderich on Friday and the Kinucks will need another strong performance.
