Storm-St. Thomas Series Tied at 4 Points
The Atom A.E. Storm continued their OMHA Playdowns series
this past weekend vs. the St. Thomas Jr. Stars. Any bragging rights the Storm
had before the series have all but disappeared as the two teams are now engaged
in quite the dogfight.
Game # 3 – Saturday January 23/2016 – Harrow
After regaining home ice advantage by winning game 2 in St. Thomas, the Storm wanted to continue their momentum and put some pressure St. Thomas with a home ice win.
This turned into the type of close checking game the coaches were expecting at the beginning of the series, rather than the blowouts that happened in the first 2 games.
The Storm got on the board first when the Birthday boy, Michael, slammed home a powerplay goal with 3 minutes left in the first. Connor extended the lead to 2-0 on a nice short side shot over the goalie’s shoulder midway through the second period. St. Thomas got within a goal on the first shift of the third period which brought the anxiety level up a couple of notches. The Storm responded well and regained their two goal lead with 10 minutes left in the third. Keegan made it 4-1 on a powerplay goal with 4 minutes to go.
Final score: Storm 4 – St. Thomas 2
Game # 4– Sunday January 24/2016 – St. Thomas
The Storm went into game 4 with a chance to put St. Thomas on the ropes. A victory would put them up 6 points to 2, with a chance to close it out next game at home.
Don’t count your chickens before they hatch!
In an evenly played first period, St. Thomas scored first half way through the period. Troy responded in kind 2 shifts later and the period ended 1-1.
The second period featured scoring opportunities at both ends but no goals, setting up for a dramatic third frame.
St. Thomas scored early in the third on a stretch pass breakaway to go up 2-1.
The Storm tied it up a couple of minutes later on a goal by Keegan….No wait, as the Storm lined up at centre ice, the referee changed his mind after signaling goal and called it off.
In doing so the momentum shifted to St. Thomas. The Stars capitalized on their gift and scored minutes later to go up 3-1.
The Team seemed to lose its desire after the reversed goal and lacked the intensity needed for a comeback.
Final score: St. Thomas 4 – Storm 2
The 8 point series is now tied at 4 points apiece.
Next game is huge and will be Friday January 29, 7pm at Harrow arena. Hope to see you all there to support the kids.
Go Storm Go !!