U16 Blues Defeat SAC Red

After narrowly defeating SAC "Red" 5-4 in Aurora last month, the UCC U16 Blues were determined to prove that the first result was no fluke. The Blues played as a team to the bitter end and squeezed out a 2-1 victory in our first game on home ice.

 

The first period was tight and featured strong defence from both teams. After 15 minutes, UCC had a marginal 7-4 shot advantage but no goals to show for it.

 

The 2nd stanza could not be more different. This period was completely dominated by the Blues who registered a 16-4 shot advantage. Unfortunately for the home team, the well coached and disciplened SAC squad was up to the challenge, and the period ended 0-0. Game film will reveal that team captain Eddie Moskowitz sniped home the opening goal half way through the period. Unfortunately the officiating crew was not in position to make the call and Eddie's laser shot that popped in and out was not acknowledged.

 

Rejuvinated by the intermission and coach Choptiany's pep talk, the Blues came out determined to capitalize on their superior puck possession. Finally, the dam broke and Noah "The Tank" Varga scored on a beautiful wrist shot to the top shelf to convert a Power Play. Credit goes out to the Blues for their collective perseverance and resilience following the unfortunate break earlier in the game. Shortly after the opening marker, SAC battled back and generated a break away goal to even the score following a quality offensive chance in their own end. Not to be outdone, Kyan "Pepper" Haldenby was rewarded for his perseverence around the net with a tap in goal which ended up being the winner.

 

Other notable plays of the night were Matt Grudzinski's 3 blocked shots, including one in the dying seconds when SAC was pressuring with 6 attackers. The bench erupted in response to this potentially game-saving play. Jack Hewitt, a player more known for his slick skating and heads up play, absolutely levelled a SAC forward as he tried to sneak by him on a dump in. This play charged up his teammates and broke up a dangerous play. Shifty and creative forward Ben Atkinson, who hasn't played hitting hockey in 3 years paradoxically lead the team in hits. Captain Eddie "The Eagle" Moscowitz was flying in all 3 periods, setting up countless offensive opportunities and showing grit in the defensive zone. Lastly, a quick shout out is in order for the first powerplay unit for running an absolutely dominant attack in the second period.

 

The coaches are very pleased with the victory and look forward to our next game which is at home vs. St. Mike's "B" on Monday January 28th at 2:30pm.