When
the Canadian Tire atom rep girls played the West Grey Warriors two weeks ago,
they left Ayton with a well deserved 4-2 win. Fast forward to November 24, and
the Warriors arrive in Tiverton for a rematch. With a focus on team defense and
being responsible in your end first, Coach Gratto stressed keeping an eye for
the Warriors big players who can make a difference.
It didn't take long for the Kinucks to strike as defenseman
Taylor Carney fired a laser from the high point off the post and in for her
first goal of the year. Assists went to Ella Gratto and Ela Jones. Carney's
goal seemed to light a fire as over the next four minutes the West Grey defense
crumbled under the relentless Kincardine pressure. Kennedy Urie tipped a point
shot from Jorja Scott who received a pass from Dakota Christie-Wylds, Ela Jones
scored on a pass from Morgan Talbot, Gratto scored thanks to a pass from
Caydence Gibson, Urie potted a second goal (assist to Carney). Christie-Wylds
rounded out the first period scoring with assists going to Talbot and Urie. For
those who lost count, the score stood at 6-0 at the end of the first.
During the first period assault Goaltender Macara Brooks
watched the action unfold. The second would not prove to be quite so quiet.
Brooks needed to be sharp as the Warriors were determined to answer back.
However Brooks was up to the task as she turned each puck that came her way
safely to the corner. A comfortable cushion in hand, coach Gratto experimented
with a few different line combinations. In the third period these experiments
showed results... In a rather dramatic fashion. While the Warriors were able to
sneak by on a long, low shot through traffic the Kinucks exploded for another 6
goals. Gratto and Urie each completed their hat-trick and Gibson erupted for a
3 goal period. The playmakers for the period were Gibson, Talbot (3 assists- a
total of 4 in the game), Christie-Wylds, Dayle Chinnick, Gabby Legge, and Ella
Jones.
The Canadian Tire Atom girls put forth a solid effort,
focusing on team play and strong puck support. Dakota Christie-Wylds went home
with the hard hat for her effort to make passes and play at both ends of the
rink.