Following
their WOAA title win, the Miller Insurance sponsored Midget Rep Kinucks swept
the Elmvale Coyotes in the OMHA quarter-finals to move on to the semi-finals to
play either Parry Sound or Ennismore.
Opening up
at home in game 1, the Kinucks got off to a great start in the first period
taking a 2-0 lead on goals by Tyson Rutledge and a rocket from the point by
Sheldon McBride. Elmvale fought back in the second but goaltender Dalton Regier
stood strong and a short-handed backhander by returning captain Shane Vollmer
enabled the Kinucks to see the game out comfortably in the third. Assists went to
Scott McFarlan (2), Brett Burrows, Brad Pickett and Vollmer.
The visit to the atmospheric Coyote den – complete with coyote howls –was a new experience for the Kinucks. They survived a first period penalty shot, saved by Ethan Primeau, before Tyson Rutledge stole the puck and fired home an unassisted, short-handed wrister 42 seconds from the horn. Kincardine added to their lead in the second with a power play goal from Grant Stevens, assisted by Vollmer. A sloppy start by the Kinucks in the third allowed Elmvale back into the game with an early goal. Fast and furious hockey followed before a nice Scott McFarlan goal from Brett Burrows gave the visitors the insurance marker with two minutes remaining on the clock.
Back to Kincardine for game 3 on February 18 for great night of hockey shared with the Atom Rep Kinucks who were also playing Elmvale in the OMHA quarters. Immediately after an incredible game won by the Atoms with 2.1 seconds of overtime remaining, the Midget Kinucks took to the ice in what proved to be a barnstormer of a game. After a poor, penalty strewn, first two periods with a lone goal from Shane Vollmer assisted by Will Graham, the Kinucks found themselves 4-1 down going into the third period. But built on a much more disciplined team performance, Kincardine then found their A-game. Backed up by some outstanding Ethan Primeau saves, strong defence and excellent fore-checking, they fired home four unanswered goals for an exciting 5-4 win that had the crowd on its feet. Goalscorers were McFarlan (2), McBride and Vollmer, assisted by Burrows (3), Vollmer (2), McFarlan and Graham.
Not only was the night a great one for hockey, it was an inspiring fundraiser. The Atom and Midget teams combined to raise funds from the gates and 50/50 raffles for the local Koberinski family who lost their home in a fire.