The
ENS Atom Minors took on LaSalle and Essex this weekend in two close games in
which the Storm tightened up their defense and were victorious again. Saturday night in Harrow saw action against
AA LaSalle Sabres.
The first period was scoreless but highlights included a great stop by Ty H on the boards and impressive passing by Ty M and Matteo R.
Following 2 quick penalties by LaSalle, the Storm found themselves 5 on 3 for a minute and forty seconds of play. They didn’t capitalize on the opportunity until with 3 seconds left Owen Bu scored from a rush through the neutral zone and a pretty ‘snipe’ to corner. Our defense absolutely shone in the offensive zone with great scoring attempts by Nick W and Matteo R . Ty H again jumping up put the Storm up by 2 when he deflected a shot into the net off a LaSalle defender with only 46 seconds left in the period.
The Storm battled through the third period with memorable plays put up from Nico S (forecheck) and Michael H (backcheck). LaSalle would still keep the game close. Cole K made a beautiful move on the defense to enable a shot on net which was saved. Ariana Q did not see much action but her shut out bid was upset with 1:11 left in the game when LaSalle scored to make the game interesting. Score now 2-1 with the goalie pulled LaSalle pulled out all the stops to try to tie up the game. Cale M made an effective pass out of the zone to Nico S who buried the empty netter with 30 seconds left to seal the victory 3-1.
Sunday evening found the Storm in Essex at the Libro arena to take on the Ravens. Essex came out strong skating well and forcing turnovers and the Storm to pick up the pace. At 2:30 in the first Michael H batted in the first goal of the game when he took advantage of the rebound from AJ’s shot. Scoring opportunities were provided by shots by Kohen, Cale and Owen Bu. Essex scored at 5:34 to tie up the game.
At intermission the Atom Minors were warned that Essex seemed to want it more than they did. They were encouraged to step up their game. At 3:40 Owen Bu took a quick shot from the blue line that was deflected by Nate M into the net. Cole K added excitement when he stole the puck, had a fantastic skate through the opposition and placed a picture perfect pass from behind the net. Owen Ba again demonstrated his explosive starts with well timed steals.
Colin R in net kept his team in the game. In the 3rd he pulled off a fantastic save while being screened. Essential backchecks by Cole K and Cale M were executed. When a battle for the puck and great defensive play resulted in Owen Ba being escorted to the penalty box, the Storm fought for a minute and 45 seconds at a 4 on 6 deficit (Essex pulled their goalie). Through sheer grit the Storm held off the Ravens and at the buzzer had earned the win 2-1.
The Atom Minors head to Woodstock this weekend for their first tournament of the year. They will be facing 2 teams from Burlington and a team from Welland in pool play for the Silverstick Regional.