Jan 24, 2016 | Cmacneill | 637 views
Victorious in New Hamburg
The Rocks secured their second win of the playoffs, with a come from behind win over the New Hamburg Huskies. Once again the Bantam AE's gave their fans an exciting, edge of the seat game!!!!
The first period found our Rocks dominating the Huskies but unable to finish off plays with the puck in the back of the net. Even with heart pumping moments with a wide open nets, goals were not meant to be. Frustrated New Hamburg drew a penalty and our Rocks found themselves on the power play. During the power play the Shamrocks overly eager to get that power play goal got tied up and a Husky was able to break from the pack. With a highlight worthy shot scored short handed ending the first 1-0 New Hamburg.
The second period started and quickly found Hespeler in the box. The Huskies pushed hard into the zone and with a shot that deflected off players New Hamburg was up 2-0. At this point I will admit an "oh no" crossed my mind. And you could see confidence pouring from some players on the New Hamburg team. I don't know if it is our seasonal record, or how our boys have learned to take loses with dignity and as learning experiences; but it has built a strong resolve in our Rocks. I think those in New Hamburg expected the Shamrocks to crumble but they dug deep into the resolve. Even with penalties keeping them short handed - give up was not in their vocabulary! Just as the Huskies did to us Ben R. got control of the puck in our end, rockets down the ice and scored a short handed goal bringing the score within one. Thus ending the second 2-1 New Hamburg.
The third period Hespeler came out playing their all once again. Like a copy of the last couple minutes of the second period our Rocks were once again on the penalty kill. An once again Ben R. got control of the puck in our end, rocketed down the ice and scored a short handed goal bringing the score even at 2-2. With Logan M. making much needed saves with the Huskies barking at his door step, Noah M. was able to clear the puck right onto the stick of Andrew C. who followed Ben's example on the breakaway and scored the Rocks go ahead goal! With our Rocks keeping themselves calm and New Hamburg taking a penalty and pulling their goalie to try and even up the score, Hespeler stayed calm and was able to clear the puck from their zone. As the puck sailed down the ice toward the icing line Ryan M. shifted gears battling off the New Hamburg defender winning the race to the puck and putting it in the New Hamburg net sealing the Hespeler win 4-2.
Another on the edge of your seat game!!! Congrats Shamrocks! Playing short players due to illness and injury you were able to once again play your best hockey and find success! We will need you to continue to play your best hockey as with this second win I think the other team will no longer underestimate you. So find the next gear we all know you have as we face Guelph in your next playoff game.
GO ROCKS GO!!