Kincardine Kinucks 7 London Bandits 5
Across the pond in England, this week will see the celebration of Guy Fawkes night. On November 5th, 1605, Guy Fawkes was arrested while guarding the explosives that had been placed under the House of Lords. The celebration of the failed attempt to take the life of King James the first, now culminates with huge firework displays across the country. Now, I'm absolutely sure that the young hockey players of Kincardine were completely unaware of this annual tradition, as they prepared to play in the Dorchester Tournament. However, what these boys would provide, would be a scintillating display of their own hockey fireworks, that would carry on throughout the weekend.
The Kinucks were trailing 2-0 early in the first period and I was starting to become concerned about writing another article on lessons in life, and tough defeats against some of the bigger centres. However, my worries would soon disappear when the prolific Noah Swann made it 2-1.
Shortly after, Swann would pick up a pass from Cam Fletcher, in the neutral zone. Flipping on the afterburners he burst through the Bandits defence, burying the puck, top shelf! It was 2-2 and game on!
The second period would start with the game finely balanced at 3-3. Noah Swann had his hat-trick, but the Kinucks would have to endure a period of penalties if they were going to survive this. The previously mentioned Swann and Fletcher, would be the first to visit the penalty box. An incredibly harsh hooking call was given to Swann, as he lifted an opponents stick.
The officials certainly couldn't be blamed for the next call. One on one with a speeding Bandits forward, Cam 'Chara' Fletcher wrestled him to the ground with a move that Hulk Hogan would have been proud of! Into the penalty box he went.
This would not be the end of the penalty problems as both Cody McClelland and Brock Courtney would follow with two minutes each, in seperate tripping incidents. It was during this period that this team would really show what they can do. Carson 'Teddy' Fletcher, probably playing his best game of the season was frantically chasing every loose puck. Quinton Page, Sam MacTavish, Holden Stevenson, Jared Houghton, Ryan Tanner and Noah Page, throwing themselves in front of any shot that came their way. Jesse Page literally crawling to the bench, as he lost an edge on his skate. Hearts were racing in the crowd, as the Kinucks desperately fought for this game.
The game remained finely balanced in the third, with the game tied at 5-5. The go ahead goal would come from the speeding Noah Swann. Much like the second goal of the game, Swann picked up a pass in the neutral zone burnt the Bandits defence and made it 6-5, with the assist, again, going to Cam Fletcher.
The TSN turning point was kept until last. The London Bandits broke through the Kincardine defence and headed straight for goal. One on one with the Kinucks goalie Kwade Beisel, the London forward deked to his back hand, and looked to have made it 6-6. No! Beisel went post to post, making a brilliant stop! Unfortunately for London, the loose puck would fall to the back checking Noah Swann. Skating the length of the ice, through the entire team, Swann would deke the goalie and score. 7-5 to the Kinucks and an incredible seven goals for Swann , a brilliant team effort and a superb start to the tournament!
Following this display, the hardest working player award could have potentially been given to any member of the team, but it was deservedly won by the 'Brock Star', Brock Courtney.