This weekend the Listowel Cyclones had a fun, successful
weekend in Peterborough.
Heading into the tournament the team knew that they would be playing teams from much bigger centers. They hoped to contend, and improve every game heading into playoffs when they returned home.
Their first test came Friday afternoon against Clarington. After a long drive, the team came out of the gates a little slow. Clarington capitalized less than a minute in, scoring to take an early lead. They would add another halfway through the period to take a 2-0 lead. Following the second goal the Cyclones began to find their legs. After a few strong shifts the Cyclones beat the buzzer at the end of the period, scoring with nine seconds left to cut the lead to one.
With momentum on their side the Cyclones starting the second skating well. They would score a goal on the first shift of the period to even the game. From there the Cyclones continued to push for the lead. Clarington refused to give up themselves, but the Cyclones defense and goaltending stood strong. Both teams would trade chances but neither team would score for the remainder of the game as the score ended as a 2-2 tie.
Following a tour of the Peterborough Pete’s dressing room and some fun at the hotel, the Cyclones were set to face Innisfil Saturday morning. The team continued their strong play right from the drop of the puck. All three lines started the game quickly, and the team was rewarded with a goal just four minutes in. The team continued to pressure for the remainder of the period, but the first would end with the Cyclones leading by one.
The team continued to pressure in the second, and were rewarded early scoring just two minutes in. They broke the game open five minutes later adding another to give the team a 3-0 lead.
The third period would see more of the same for Listowel. The Cyclones would score three quick goals to take a commanding 6-0 lead. After the game got a little rough, the teams defense and goaltender were able to finish the game out, holding the opposition off of the score board making the final 6-0.
With not much time to spare, the Cyclones took a quick rest then travelled to the Memorial Center to face Stouffville. The Cyclones once again got off to a great start, scoring two goals within the first four minutes of play to take a quick 2-0 lead. From there, the game settled in and both teams generated quality scoring chances.
Heading into the second, the Cyclones looked like they had started to fatigue. Stouffville put on some pressure and scored at the midway point of the period to bring the opposition within one. Feeling a little pressure, the Cyclones did what they could to push back. Goaltending and team defense were strong, as the team survived the period up by one.
Starting the third period, the Cyclones began to gain some momentum. They were able to score another early goal, just two minutes into the period to regain the two goal lead. For the remainder of the game the Cyclones limited Stouffville’s scoring chances, and the game would end with a 3-1 final.
With the win, the Cyclones knew that they were set to play in the semi-finals early Sunday morning. They were facing a strong Orillia team who also finished first in their division. After enjoying the Peterborough Petes game Saturday night, the Cyclones still came out and played a good game Sunday.
Both teams would battle through all of the first and most of the second. Scoring chances were at a premium, as both team played well defensively, but Orillia slowly started to take over the game. After a few huge saves, the opposition were finally able to break through with just under two minutes left in the second taking a 1-0 lead.
The Cyclones started the third with a bit of energy and pushed hard to tie the game, however they were unable to capitalize. Finally, with just over four minutes remaining in the game Orillia would add another to take a two goal lead. The Cyclones refused to give up, and with the goalie pulled they fought to tie the game. However, it was not meant to be as Orillia added an empty net goal with twenty seconds remaining to make the final 3-0.
The team did exactly what they had planned to do heading into the tournament. They were able to compete against some very good hockey teams, and the team is skating well heading into playoffs.
The team will play its first game tomorrow night on the road versus Saugeen Shores followed by two home games on the weekend with times to be determined.
Congrats to the house league teams on a great tournament, and to the Rep team who finished the weekend as Champions!