Oct 13, 2017 | Lloyd Williams | 315 views
GIVE THAT GOALIE A PILLOW
The Hagersville kids didn't disappoint in their first game against the Rangers this season with steady D, predatory like attacks and great speed from Ryan Mattice their was little to do in the crease for most of the game. The first period was total dominance as Nolan sat back comfortably and watched his team outshoot the home team 10 - 0 and anytime the puck made its way down the defense was there to protect and quickly clear the defending zone.
Ryan Mattice stood out on this evening with speed and determination, the defensive pairings were steadily supported anytime the puck made its way back and Ryan eliminated a couple of breakaway opportunities using his speed to get back quickly and guide the puck to safety. Defensive pairings were in position to move the puck to the neutral zone and wingers attacked on the dump in, some very nice passes down low led to several scoring opportunities and fantastic passing back to the point kept the defense in the play with some great shots. The Glanbrook goalie wasn't giving up rebounds and was on his game so despite 10 shots on net the first ended with 0's on the board.
The second period was end to end with lots of turnovers both ways, even play and effort by both teams kept the pace up and the fans on the edge of their seats but halfway into the second there were no shots on net. Several icing calls at both ends of the ice kept the goalies on their toes with lots of pucks near the net on faceoffs but nothing made its way to the goalies. Dean took a penalty for lifting a stick at 3:57 of the second period allowing Glanbrook opportunity to get shots on net and the first shot was a good one but Nolan was ready to back up his teammates ensuring that there hard work was not to be wasted.
In the third the end to end play continued and a lot of icing calls with both teams quickly clearing pucks, the attack on Glanbrooks net was again relentless with shots from the point and wingers ready to pounce on any rebound but still the goalie was covering every save. An icing call left the door open for Dean to put the puck at the back of net on a quick shot in the slot on a faceoff win 4:21 in the final period and he made no mistake on the opportunity. The hawks seemed to glide over the Rangers following the goal and moved the puck well all over the ice with great passing and smart dump and chase hockey....... with 2:00 remaining Ryan Mattice was sent to the sin bin for interfering with the boards. Good defensive play held Glanbrook at bay until a breakaway with 1 minute on the clock. The attacking player had a clean break and drove the net hard but there was no 5 hole tonight as Nolan closed the pads smartly on scoring attempt and his defensemen took over once again to ensure the shutout victory.
Scoring:
Goal - Dean Eggink
Assist - Ryan Mattice
An incredible effort, smart hockey by everyone and excellent team play....... next game is in Caledonia Oct 21st at 10:30 am and I'm sure we're all anxious to see more of the same.