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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1995-03-22, Page 8PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 1995. ports Brussels Atoms take 3 By Rusty Blades The Blyth Midget Bulldog's playoff season came to a sudden halt last week but not before some crowd pleasing action. The Bulldogs lost game three 8-1 in Thedford, rebounded for a 5-4 come-from-behind victory at home on Saturday night, before finally being eliminated in Thedford on Sunday night with a 4-3 heart breaker. Wednesday night in Thedford the Bulldogs took a good old-fashioned butt kicking as everything failed. Look up the word ugly in the dictionary and you will find a videotape of this game. Thedford scored two goals in each of the first two periods as they built a 4-1 lead after two. The only spark for Blyth came with just under two minutes to play in the second period. Although they didn't get assists, the forechecking of Christopher Howson, Ryan Chamney, and Benjie Hakkers resulted in a loose puck that Jonathan Collins drilled in through the five-hold from 40 feet out. Blyth still had opportunities early in the third but Thedford doubled the score with four early goals. The game clock couldn't run fast enough the rest of the way as the Bulldogs fell behind in the series two games to one. The Bulldogs needed a win at home on Saturday evening in order to extend the series. Those who had them buried before the game even began, got a lesson on the personal- ity of a Bulldog as Blyth tenacious- ly mauled their way to a come- from-behind last minute thriller. The teams felt each other out through a scoreless first before Thedford scored three goals in the first half of the second. Thedford's third goal was the wake-up call as the Bulldogs responded only four seconds after the visitors had taken a 3-0 lead. Ryan Chamney won the centre-ice faceoff to Peter Craig, who skated across the blueline and drilled a low drive into the mesh for the powerplay goal. The Bulldogs cut the lead to 3-2 less than two minutes later while enjoying yet another two man powerplay. Peter Craig and Benjic Hakkers provided the strong forechecking that resulted in another blast from the blueline, this time by Jonathan Collins. A Thedford powerplay goal with just under three minutes left in the second put the Bulldogs down 4-2 as the teams took a much needed intermission rest. Team management brought out all the worn out cliches as the Bulldogs needed a win to stay alive entering period three. Blyth's third straight powerplay goal with 10 minutes remaining in regulation time, once again brought the Bulldogs to within a goal. Chris Stewart and Brad Anderson worked the corners to perfection as Chad Haggitt sifted one in from the high slot. This set the stage for an explosive finish as the partisan crowd rocked the 'dog pound' with every offensive rush and defensive save. An illegal stick penalty against Thedford puckstopper Ken McKichan with two and a half minutes left on the clock thwarted a Thedford powerplay and rattled his concentration. The dogs swarmed the Thedford zone and were rewarded with the tying goal with 1:18 left to play. Chamney and Stewart earned the assists as Peter Craig's second effort saw the puck bounce over the fallen goaltender. Blyth played like a team possessed, notching the disputed winner with 48 seconds to play. Chamney fed Stewart who snapped the puck into the goal. The referee had to consult with his linesman before awarding the goal and incensing the Thedford supporters. The adrenaline was running too high for the Bulldogs to let this victory slip away and they easily ran out the game clock and evened the series at two wins each with this emotional crowd pleaser. This reporter defies anyone to remember when the 'new' Blyth arena rocked with more excitement than on Saturday night. A huge crowd came to not only watch some top-notch hockey but to offer their support to these young men. It was particularly pleasing to see many of the 71-72 Pee Wees in attendance, perhaps feeling a little remorse for the lesson they gave the Bulldogs in the 'Relive the Dream' Reunion game on Friday night. This set the stage for the winner- take-all game five which was played in Thedford on Sunday evening. This was another see-saw affair with the 4-3 Thedford win in doubt until the final buzzer. Thedford opened the scoring seven minutes into the game but the Bulldogs tied the game less than two minutes later. Collins and Peter Craig earned the assists as Chamney rifled the puck in from the slot. The joy was short-lived however as Thedford regained their lead only 17 seconds later. A powerplay goal midway through the second by the Bulldogs evened the score•once again. Haggitt passed to Collins who set up defence pariner Brad Anderson's high shot from the blueline. Brussels Atoms put on a good show in the March 15 Brussels tournament winning all three of their games. The first matchup was the with host team, whom they defeated by 4-1. Belgrave got on the board first with a shot by Chad Cook, assisted by Justin Campbell and Paul Walk- er. Cook tagged on another, assisted by Campbell in the second. Brus- sels Darrel McClure, with help from Mark Hunter narrowed the gap, but a two goal third period put the game out of Brussels' reach. Scoring Belgrave's last two were Campbell, assisted by Cook and Ken McCracken, assisted by Walk- er. Belgrave next came up against St. Clements and came away with a 2-0 shutout. Belgrave goals were scored in the third period by Cook and Campbell. Assists went to Campbell and Garrett Knight. Earning the shutout was goalie Travis Campbell with some sharp net minding. Game three against Exeter was another shutout, with Belgrave claiming three. Cook hit in the first goal off a play by Campbell, then teamed with Knight in the second for the next goal. Cook played a part in the third goal as well, assist- ing Campbell who nudged it between the pipes. It was a different story the day before, however, when Belgrave hosted Stephen Twp. in Blyth for the first game of a best of three jeopardy mercy to their hosts slamming them with a 10-3 loss. Scoring for Belgrave were Cook and Campbell with two. Credit for the assists went to Campbell, Knight and Cook with two. The team didn't fare much better in the March 16 matchup losing to their Stephen Twp. hosts by 10-5. Campbell claimed four of the goals, while Knight finished the count. Assists went to Campbell with two, Cook and Knight with two. This win gave Stephen Twp. the WOAA Houseleague A champi- onship. On March 18 Belgrave travelled to Lucknow for a tournament and came away with a split. In their first game, Belgrave faced Mitchell and defeated them 7-3. Scoring were McCracken, Cook, with four, Knight and Camp- bell. Assists were creditted to Jim Wray, Travis Hopper, with three, and Campbell. As MVP Chad Cook was presented with a hockey stick. Game two was played against Mount Forest who narrowly edged them 4-3. Campbell claimed two markers, while McCracken notched one. Earning assists were Cook and Knight. NEEDED: Volunteers to form organization committee for BLYTH MINOR SOFTBALL during 1995 Season Contact Brian Machan 523-9462 TOWNSHIP OF HULLETT MINOR BALL REGISTRATION WHERE: Hullett Central Public School Londesboro Auburn Library, Auburn WHEN: Saturday, April 1, 1995 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Registration Forms can be picked up at Hullett Central Public School or at Radford's Farm Equipment In Londesboro. Illegal check A Blyth Bantam player checks a Zurich opponent from behind during the first meeting in their OMHA final on March 13. Midgets lose heartbreaker Atom Reps dominate Blyth Brussels Atom Reps squared off against Blyth on Tuesday, March 14 for the first game of the WOAA Southern Championship. There was no scoring in the first period, then late in the second Captain Brian Oldficld took a pass from Nolan Krotz and blasted it by the opposing goalie. Early in the third Blyth struck Continued on page 10 Unfortunately Blyth couldn't keep the momentum as Thedford regained the lead 28 seconds later. The Bulldogs were enjoying a two-man advantage with three and a half minutes left in the second when they knotted the score 3-3. Collins and Anderson assisted on the play as Peter Craig picked up the puck behind the Thedford goal and slipped the puck in on a wraparound. The action went end-to-end in the third period with neither team giving an inch in this all-out battle. Thedford countered with the series winner on a scramble with five minutes and fifteen seconds left in regulation. The Bulldogs did everything but put the biscuit in the basket as they growled their way to the finish._ playoff series. Stephen showed no Time ran out and the Bulldogs were action. eliminated from further playoff occer 111 The Bulldogs proved themselves in this five game series by rebound- ing from an earlier pounding to finish with two of their strongest games of the season. They can be proud of their accomplishments this season including being OMHA Semi-Finalists. Being in the top four teams in the province in their classification is no small feat, as evidenced by the tremendous following they gathered throughout this extended playoff run. The Blyth Midget Bulldogs brought some excitement to the community and the Blyth Minor Hockey system and are proud to have represented their fans throughout the season and, in particular, this gutsy playoff run. All that is left is the Lake Placid Cup tournament which the people of the community have helped to make a reality. They are eager for the challenge and are proud to be representing the Blyth community in this international shinny showdown. Continued from page 1 registered for soccer last year in Brussels. "It would be a shame to see it end, but Mike ran it virtually alone for three years and I've looked after it for two. If a few people could come forward to share the work it's really not that much, especially once the season gets going," Mr. Wilson said. Though both men agreed that they would be willing to continue working with the volunteers to get it going this year, they would not do it themselves. "If someone does- n't soon come forward soccer will be on hiatus this year," he said. Anyone interested or curious can attend the next meeting on Tues- day, March 28 at 8 p.m. in the Ark or call Mr. Wilson at 887-6072 or Mr. Thomas as 887-6449. BLYTH MINOR SOFTBALL/ BLYTH MINOR SOCCER REGISTRATION April 1 10:00 - 12:00 5 7:00 - 9:00 8 10:00 - 12:00 Registration to be held at Blyth Arena Volunteers desperately needed for Blyth Minor Softball For more information call: Ball - Brian Machan 523-9462 Soccer - Herb van Amersfoort 523-4202