Kincardine Kinucks 2 - Mitchell Meteors 3
The Atom AE Kincardine Kinucks wrapped up their busy weekend schedule looking to make it two wins from two, following an impressive 3-0 win against the Mount Forest Rams on Saturday. This would turn out to be a closely fought game and is lining up to be an interesting rivalry for the coming season.
Again, the Kinucks would be looking to build their success on a good work ethic and hard skating. This is delivered by forwards Carson Boettinger, Brock Courtney, Dakota Condie and Caydence Gibson to name but a few. In fact, it has to be said that Bailey Pierson provided an excellent all action display, throughout.
Having said all of that, ironically the Kinucks came out looking a little flat, in the first period. Mitchell accepted this as a welcome invitation, taking an early lead. Just like last week, it has to be said that the first goal was very fortunate, as the puck slipped beneath the pad of Johnny Graham, in the Kincardine net. Mitchell’s second goal was just as scrappy, as the puck was somehow bundled into the net. All of that said, Kincardine can learn something from Mitchell when it comes to crashing the net and picking up those rebounds.
Trailing 2-0 the Kinucks found this to be the catalyst they were looking for with Sam ‘The Flow’ MacTavish and Zach Eybergen going close but finding the Meteors goalie Charlie Wood to be standing strong. Zach Eybergen was finally getting the breaks that his hard skating has deserved, as he peppered the Meteors net with shots. The Mitchell goalie may have an ice pack on his chest this morning, as he got himself in the way of a thunderous Eybergen wrist shot, during a one on one situation.
The Kincardine pressure was continuing to build up, only for Mitchell to break the length of the ice and make it 3-0. This was another great example of the Meteors team crashing the net and deflecting the puck in.
3-0 down in the third period, Kincardine’s hearts looked to have been broken. Well, Aiden Berkman obviously didn’t believe that, as he finally got the Kinucks on the scoreboard. Berkman probably felt he deserved a goal for his efforts against the Mount Forest Rams, the day before, but this time he wouldn’t be denied. The Kinucks number 14 demonstrated what ‘nice hands’ he has, as he converted his chance to make it 3-1, with Cam Fletcher picking up another assist for the weekend. This opened the seasons goal scoring account for Aiden 'Silky Skills' Berkman.
The defensive quartet of Jessica Anderson, Lauren Thede, Holden Stevenson and Cam Fletcher welcomed the return of Tomas Nancekivell to the line-up, who had been missing for the Mount Forest game. It was around this point in the game when Nancekivell was faced with a Meteors forward, rushing toward him on the blue line. What followed could best be described as a crushing rugby tackle from Nancekivell! I’m not sure if it would be recommended as a regular move, in defensive situations, but it was certainly effective and the Kinucks got away with it penalty free! No visit to the penalty box for Tomas 'Crusher' Nancekivell!
Maybe the Kinucks were learning from what they had seen their opposition doing, very successfully. Bailey Pierson would crash the Mitchell net and make it 3-2. This was a well-deserved goal for Pierson, with Zach Eybergen being credited with an assist.
The pressure continued to increase, as did the crowds blood pressure. Even with the ‘Brock Star’ Brock Courtney sitting out a two minute hooking penalty, the Kinucks pressed on. Eyebergen, Mactavish, Gibson and Condie buzzed around the Meteors net, looking for an equalizer. More great work from Zach Eybergen resulted in another chance, only for the Meteors goalie to again deny him. With goalie pulled to the bench the Kinucks were desperate to tie things up. With literally seconds remaining, Cam Fletcher looked to have broken through on a one on one, only for the puck to be poked away from his stick! 3-2 would be the final score for this thrilling encounter.
Overall, Head Coach Doug MacTavish, was again pleased with the hard working display provided by the players. ‘There are certainly positional things that we have to improve upon going forward, but it was an excellent effort overall’ said MacTavish.