The Canadian Tire Atom Reps had a successful weekend of
hockey following their big win over Goderich a few days earlier.
Perennial powerhouse Listowel Cyclones were in town Saturday
sporting an undefeated record on the season. The Kinucks, inspired by trainer
Jim Coady, were ready for the role of underdog and were prepared to work hard
and play smart.
With the Kinucks battling for every puck and netminder Jamie
Brock on full form, the first period ended in a 0-0 tie. Coach McDonald later
stated that all the Atoms needed was to get through the first period believing
in them selves and they would be in the thick of it for the rest of the game.
The Cyclones are OMHA favourites for a reason and they
showed it early in the second scoring just one minute into the frame. Three
minutes later Jacob Bishop would have his revenge. Bryce McFadden won the draw
over to Jake Colley along the boards. Fighting off the Listowel winger, Colley
passed the puck back to Bishop where he fired a wrist shot from the point. Like
all the great goal scorers, Bishop scored low blocker side and the game was
tied at one going into the third period.
The third period was a struggle not yet scene since David
and Goliath. Brock made first up saves over and over again while defensemen
Danny Skinner, Alice Thorpe, Raven Sharpe and Bishop allowed no second chance
opportunities. With just four minutes left in the game, the Cylcones top
forward came breaking down on Brock all alone. After dangles left and right,
Brock shut the door and the score remained 1-1.
Later, captain Rhys Volmer took a pass from Bishop and
scored with just 2:42 left – the Kinuck fans were in hysteria – could this be
Kincardine’s “Miracle on Ice?” The
answer is – not quite. Listowel scored 40 seconds later and the game finished
in a 2-2 tie.
This is a huge step forward for the Kinucks; they played
hard and they deserved all the praise they received from the coaching staff and
parents.
Following Saturday’s tie to Listowel, the Atoms squared off
against Goderich on Sunday. The Kinucks were happy to see the return of Emma
Swift and her “devilish” smile. The Kinucks have struggled against Goderich but
were up 2-1 going into the third. Goderich scored two unanswered goals however
and went on to win the game 3-2.
The Kinucks travel to Sarnia next weekend to enjoy a
tournament on the road.