The Erie North Shore Atom Minor
Storm skated to split decisions this weekend in their challenging OMHA playdown
series vs the Essex Ravens. A tentative
Storm took to the Kingsville home ice on Friday January 30th and
promptly found themselves in a 2-0 deficit early in the second period. Although shots were put on net by Owen Ba
from the point, Ty M with a backhand and AJ D from the left side, the Storm
failed to put one on the board until late in the 2nd when Nico S picked
off a Raven D to D pass in the Neutral zone and went the distance, breaking
away from the Raven’s defense to score with a picture perfect shot over the
glove of the Raven tender.
Although the Storm had numerous opportunities in the 3rd period, the Storm failed to capitalize on them. Several opportunities on power plays went unrealized and the first game of the series ended 2-1 in favour of the Ravens and set up .
GAME 2
A rejuvenated ENS Minor atom Storm arrived in Essex on Saturday night. From the first puck drop this was a different team – a team that wanted the puck. 42 seconds into the 1st period the shift of Matteo R, Cale M and Ty M made the score 1-0 when they took the opportunity to drive the Ravens net and were rewarded with a goal. Colin made some good saves in the first and the Storm maintained their lead until the second period when Essex scored on a breakaway to make the score 1-1.
At the beginning of the third period the Storm put themselves in a bad place allowing a goal in less than a minute of playing time. They recovered quickly when Cole K picked up an Owen Ba clearing pass and scored on a breakaway. Throughout the 3rd the Storm battled admirably. Ty H had a fantastic poke check to halt a Raven’s breakaway, AJ put up a shot that hit the outside of the post. Finally the consistent pressure paid off on a Storm power play as Ty M placed an accurate behind the net pass out to Nico S who calmly swatted it into the back of the net. The 3-2 margin would be maintained even as Essex pulled their goalie and endeavored to tie the game. The Ravens would continue to press eventually hitting a cross bar with 32 seconds to play. Nate M snatched the puck from a Raven’s attacker late in the dying seconds in such a way that drew cheers from the crowd and a sense of relieve. When the dust settled the Storm had tied up the series as 2 points a piece with potential games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of this weekend.