Novice Kinucks bounce back to winning ways..
Kincardine Kinucks 6 Walkerton Capitals 2
In preparing for their next league encounter coach, Greg Tanner, wanted to continue with Kincardine Novice Kinucks steep learning curve, playing an Exhibition game against the BCH Ice Dogs, who are known to be strong opposition.
Following last weekends tournament, some positional changes were made and the players were ready continue their hockey education. The BCH Ice Dogs collected the win. The 3 Kincardine consolation goals were scored by Noah Swann, with both Brock Courtney and Cam Fletcher picking up assists. The coveted Kinucks most hard working player was awarded to left winger, Carson Fletcher.
The return to league action saw the Home Hardware-sponsored Kinucks take on the Walkerton Capitals. This game was to demonstrate how the players are learning about the required work ethic and team play. Coach Greg Tanner said, "it was a fantastic effort by all of the players, playing their positions very well, particularly in defensive situations".
It's no surprise to report that the prolific Noah Swann was, again, amongst the goals. However, unlike some of the previous encounters to-date, the excellent team play was demonstrated by a number of skaters providing the assists. Swann's first two goals were enabled by Jesse Page and Cody McClelland, who worked tirelessly throughout.
Walkerton kept things close, pulling a goal back through Turner McKenzie, only for Noah Swann to put the Kinucks ahead, once again. Swann's hat-trick goal was assisted by the big defenseman, Holden Stevenson.
Again, the Capitals would fight back to 3-2, thanks to Sky Berfelz. The game was end to end stuff at this point in the second period.
The goal that gave Kincardine a little breathing space was expertly taken by Noah Swann. This time the assist would go to Stevenson's new defensive partner Cam Fletcher, playing his second game on the blue line, following a tactical switch from left wing. On this subject, the defensive pairings are really beginning to contribute for this young Kinucks team. Noah Page continues to be a steady influence, while Jared "you shall not pass" Houghton is really coming into his own on the blue line.
The fifth goal was to be scored by the hard working Sam MacTavish, picking up on a loose puck in front of the Capitals net. The game was far from over, but Walkerton were to find Kwade Beisel in excellent form between the pipes, whenever they did get a goal scoring chance.
The last goal of the game was scored by Noah Swann. A nicely worked finish with assists going to Ryan Tanner and Jesse Page. The hard working Carson Fletcher, Brock Courtney and Quinton Page are certainly worth a mention for their respective efforts, with Page demonstrating some exceptional stick handling skills that were really worthy of a goal.
The 6-2 victory was the second consecutive league win for the Novice Kinucks. Greg Tanner announced the Kincardine hardest working player to be Cam 'Chara' Fletcher. "He plays like he's six feet tall," said the Kinucks coach.