The Canadian Tire Atom Reps narrowly missed tying reigning
Silverstick Champions and undefeated Walkerton Capitols.
The first period ended scoreless for both sides as the Atoms fought off two first period penalties with strong defensive play from Kara Colhoun and Austyn MacArthur. Goaltender Jamie Brock was playing a strong game but couldn’t hold off the Capitals in the second period as they score two quick goals. Ryan Thede quickly responded after line-mates Jake Colley and Matt Harrison provided a strong forecheck. Walkerton kept out skating the Atoms to the puck, however, and scored two more goals despite the strong play from Brock.
Down 4-1, Chris Coady showed off his great hands when he tipped in a point shot from Jacob Bishop with an assist going to Brennan Long. After seven more minutes of back and forth play, Walkerton scored to make the game 5-2. The Kinucks, however, didn’t give up and kept applying the pressure. Colley tapped in a rebound on the power-play after some great d-to-d passing and a shot from the point by Bishop. Harrison picked up another assist. With the game 5-3, Darian Kuz opened up a new package of “bag tags” and banged home a goal from in front of the net. Coady and Long picked-up assists.
The Kinucks continued to add pressure in an attempt to tie the game but came up a bit short. The Atoms showed a lot of heart and determination to stay in this game, but if they are to succeed in the play-offs they must play all three periods with everything they’ve got.