Nov 27, 2016 | Jfederico | 1889 views
Pelham Novice Front Row Sports LL Panthers WIN Murray Johnson Invitational!
Three days of exceptional effort from the Novice Panthers were rewarded with a win in the Murray Johnson Invitational, hosted by Hagersville Minor Hockey.
Friday's game versus the host Hagerville squad served as a great warmup. With twelve skaters dressing, seven Panthers notched goals and another three got on the score sheet with assists in an 8-1 win.
Saturday's action pitted the Panthers against a quality Six Nations team. The Panthers carried a 3-1 lead into the third before their relentless back checking finally wore the Six Nations team down and allowed the Panthers to blow it open with a four goal final frame.
Sunday's A-Final brought an excellent team from Lambton Shores. The Predators are 7-1-1 in their home loop and put up big wins in their round robin games. The finale was shaping up to be a nail biter, and it did not disappoint.
Pelham opened the scoring midway through the first with an unassisted goal from R. McWilliams. Lambton drew even with a minute left in the first.
The game went up and down the ice through most of the second before I. Federico broke through Lambton defence and tucked the puck under the crossbar giving the netminder no chance to put a glove on it. The lead would not last long; Lambton tied it up 2 minutes later.
The game remained tied until 7:20 in the third period. Lambton's goalie got a toe on a shot from A. Federico, knocking the rebound into the slot where G. Marr was waiting to finish the job.
With three and a half minutes remaining, Lambton's centre picked up a puck in the neutral zone, fought off two defenders, and snuck a shot through to knot the score at 3.
On the ensuing faceoff I. Federico won the draw and moved through the Predator lineup, determined to get the lead back. Turning for the net he was met with a vicious hook by the last Lambton defender, drawing a penalty. Pelham was relentless on the ensuing powerplay, swarming the Lambton net for a full minute-thirty before A. Federico buried the go ahead goal on a pass from N. Pooley. Pelham kept the heat on for the last minute, ensuring Lambton couldn't pull their goalie and mount an attack.
Congratulations to all Panthers players on an outstanding effort over 3 days. And a big thank you to the parents for giving up their weekends, and for providing an outstanding cheering section.