Written By Alan Good
SPORTS - Junior C hockey has officially warmed up as teams played matches through last weekend, with lots of overtime for fans.
Mount Brydges played two games last weekend, one in Thamesford Friday night, November 6, and then hosted the Exeter Hawks Saturday evening, the 7th. The first game saw the Bull Dogs as overtime victors of a 4-3 game. The following match against Exeter was an easy 4-2 win for Mount Brydges, who were ahead during most of the game.
The North Middlesex Stars also played two matches, hosting the Thamesford Trojans Saturday evening followed by a trip down to Aylmer to play in the Spitfires’ arena Sunday November 8. In Saturday’s game, the Stars were ahead 3-0 at the end of the first period, as well in shots on net—23-7, but lost momentum in the next two periods. North Middlesex had played this team twice so far this season, winning both matches.
Scrambles at the home net almost garnered a score for Thamesford during the second period; however, North Middlesex remained on their skates to score early in that period. After that, it was all Trojans as they scored three times after missing chances during a 5-3 chance against the home team.
Seconds into the third, the visitors made it an even 4-4. After 14 minutes of play, the Stars made their go-ahead goal, but were to be disappointed when the Trojans evened things a minute later.
The visitors continually banged their sticks on the boards to garner energy and a moment perhaps missed by some when Nick Bannister flew out of the penalty box to slap away a rush on his net before going into the benches.
That game was decided by OT shootouts, the visitors gaining the last goal, 6-5.
On Sunday, playing in Aylmer, the Stars were again ahead 3-0 in the first, but slowly lost ground to go into OT and losing the match, 6-5.
Meanwhile, the Lucan Irish played one game last weekend, in Aylmer Saturday night. This game was also decided in OT, Lucan taking home a 6-5 win.
Standings for the three teams after last weekend were Mount Brydges in first, followed by the Stars. Lucan had been in the basement but regained 7th place.
