Comanches vs Ice Wolves 5 (Div 5)
Bullharks vs Mohicans(Div 4)
The Mohicans played the Bullsharks at 3.45pm on Saturday – we knew before the game started it was going to be a tiring one with only four players on the bench. A tough game from start to finish, the Bullsharks piled on goals for the whole game. However the Mohicans focused on their own game and had some periods of good offensive cycling. Despite the 14-0 loss, we take heart from the effort put in by the whole team, especially by goalie Samantha Bennett who had a lot of work to do. There were lessons learnt and we move on to the next game.
Demons vs Apaches (Div 3)
Apaches faced off against Demons 3 on Saturday night and were ready for a tough game. Demons dominated from the start and although Braves had a number of chances around the front of the net, efforts were not forthcoming. A valiant fight was put up by our replacement goalie Jacob, however our opponents peppered him with 16 shots for 6 goals. The final score 6-0, a tough loss, yet not reflective of the Braves relentless effort.
Cherokees vs Ice Wolves 3 (Div 3)
The Ice Wolves are the division’s hottest team right now, whose record prior to the midnight showdown was 3-0 and 18 for and 5 against. Rather selfishly, one of our key D-Men (Kat Pullin) had a wedding to attend on Saturday ,which was compounded by the absence of yet another defensive option in Liam Patrick. The team knew it would be a hard task but after a cup of Horlicks and a bed time story we were ready to play, with two forwards falling back to fill in the defensive void in Kittens Place and Tom Lawler.
Initially the Cherokees got off to a strong start in the first period but the tide turned and the Wolves scored their first on a lucky bounce with 03.50 left in the period. The break soon followed and the Kees, although down, were not disheartened. The aim through he second period was to maintain pressure at the points and look for breakaway opportunities. This however didn’t happen. Three goals in the space of 8 minutes put the team on the back foot despite the great defensive play. However with 51 seconds left in the second there was a breakthrough. Richard Burt with the apple to set up key man, Big Fetz (Josh Facchini), coming through with his first of the season to get the monkey off his back, and hopefully the first of many for the season.
Up next is the Champs at the slightly more agreeable time of 1.15pm on Saturday. With the Cherokees beginning to find their feet and structure it’s hopeful that a primetime performance could be on the way during the matinee time slot.
Jets Potatoes vs Navajos (Div 2)
The Navijos took to the ice against the Jet Potatoes in round 4 in what became a very heated match. Struggling to get forward pressure earlier this season, the Navajos showed more puck control, patience and confidence right from the start of the first period, putting the Jets on the back foot. Both teams peppered the goalies early, with the Jets eventually getting one past near the end of the first. The Navs came out is the second with the same style and effort, continuing to improve breakouts and forward pressure. Neither team troubled the scorers in the second, however the pressure from both teams was evident as the penalty count started to creep towards its eventual total of 23, including one Jets player being ejected. The Jets managed another goal in the third to go make it 2-0. The Navs didn’t give up at any point, clawing one back through Brad Pyers off the sticks of Simon Holmes and Daniel Layton. The Navs had the best of it right until the siren but failed to score the equalizer eventual going down 2-1. Conor O’Brien filled in net taking 21 shots for the 2 goals.
Sharks vs Kiowa (Div 1)
Another midweek Oakleigh game for the Kiowa this Tuesday night – this time facing a strong Sharks outfit that has had a couple of big wins early this season. With only nine skaters, it was always going to be tough game.
The first period was rock solid defending from Kiowa with the Sharks scoring just 1 goal to lead 1-0 at the end of the first – a period where the the number of Kiowa shots registered on net did not quite reflect the offensive pressure put on by the team. in which i think the scorers were asleep registering the shots on as 4-0 for the period.
Captain Mike Killip evened up the scores in the second period with a great individual effort to get through the defence, but unfortunately two quick goals by the Sharks and then a third on the power play just before the break left the Sharks with a 4-1 lead.
Despite weary legs, a tough contest was had throughout the third period, and despite having to double shift at times, the Kiowa managed another ten shots on goal, with the last of those efforts a great goal from from Chris Bridget, skating from the defensive end to eventually score. Goaltender Conor O’Brien was rewarded for his part in setting up the play with an assist on the scoresheet. The final score was 8-2, with Conor O’Brien officially facing 33 shots, but putting in an effort genuinely felt like it was over 40.