Novice Reps Back On Track
After a setback at the Silver Stick in Ripley during the Christmas holiday, the Novice Reps are back on the winng track. At the Silver Stick, the boys played against some good teams from Ayr and Wallaceburg. The bounces and breaks didn't seem to go our way at htis tournament and we ended with two losses and a tie. Back to the drawing board.
The boys rang in the New Year with a inspired effort against BCH. The arena may have been cold for the spectators but the boys were hot as they skated to a 8-5 victory. Hat tricks to Blair Johnson and Eric Vander Eyk and singles to Keaton Yungblut and Brett Reesor helped pace the team for the win. ( I haven't been receiving all the score sheets as of late so I don't know all the assists.)
Game 2 of the new year saw a revitalized team from Kincardine visit us at the Listowel Arena. It was a see-saw tilt. Goals by Riley Kuepfer and Sam Town were not enough as the boys lost their first regular season game by a score of 3-2.
The next game was a very spirited affair against their rivals grom Goderich. Goderich sits second behind Listowel in the standings, and the boys were looking to get back into the win column. The coaches have been shaking up the lines as of late and with some good results. The boys have greatly improved on their passing skills and going to the net looking for rebounds. The game against was one of there best "team" efforts of the season and they were rewarded with a 5-3 win.
Saturday, saw the team travel to Seaforth for an exhibition game against a very strong and high scoring Seaforth team. (Seaforth lost in the A-final at the recent Silver Stick). This game was quite intense with both teams seeing plenty of time in the penalty box. Listowel scored first and often and opened up a 4-0 lead heading into the 3rd period. The boys maybe took things a little lightly in the 3rd and let Seaforth back into the game as they scored 3 goals to make it close. Final score 4-3 for Listowel.
On Sunday, Listowel continued their winning ways with a convincing 6-2 win over Walkerton. Goals to Blair Johnson (2), Riley Kuepfer (2), Brandon Wall (1) and Eric Vander Eyk (1). Assists to Sage Buchanan (2), Brandon Wall (2), Keaton Yungblut (2), Connor McGrath (1), Sam Town (1), Cullen Elg (1), Eric Vander Eyk (1), Riley Kuepfer (1). Travis Bannerman and Seth Reading shared goaltending duties and both made some very good saves to help seal the win.
Again, the boys have been playing a very good "team" game as of late and all players showing signs of improvement. Keep up the good work boys!!
