Novice Reps Open Playoffs with 2 wins
The Novice Reps travelled to Walkerton early Saturday morning to start their best of 5 series against the Capitals. The boys started out as Walkerton was dominating the play early in the game and opened the scoring late in the first period. Walkerton continued their strong play in the second period and their hard word paid off as they scored their second goal of the game to make it 2-0 for the home team.
The Listowel boys finally woke up midway through the second period as they started to get some more shots on the hot Walkerton goalie. Riley Kuepfer scored the Cycs first goal late in the period with assists to Jake "The Snake" Zyta and Eric Vander Eyk. The third period was a see-saw battle and some tense moments at both ends. Kuepfer scored the tying goal late in the third period with an assist from Vander Eyk. 2-2 after regulation time.
Overtime was definitely a nail-biter as both teams had scoring changes and powerplays. Playing 4 on 4, Kuepfer made a sweet pass over to Blair Johnson who scored the winning goal in overtime. Way to go boys!!
The following day, Walkerton came to town still thinking about their overtime loss the day before. The Listowel boys came out flying, determined not to take the visitors too lightly. Listowel was clearly the stronger team throughout the game and opened up the scoring early in the game as Connor McGrath was "Johnny on the Spot" standing beside the net and banged home a rebound for his first goal of the playoffs. Assists to linemates Kuepfer and Vander Eyk.
The second period saw the hometown boys add to their lead with a great effort from the "all-rookie" line as Sam Town slapped home another rebound with assists to Brett Reesor and Keegan Long. Great job boys !! Riley Kuepfer made it 3-0 with an unassisted goal to make the score 3-0 after two periods of play. Walkerton knew they needed a goal to get back in the game and they were finally rewarded with a goal of their own early in the third. Listowel regained their 3 goal lead with a nifty deke goal by Eric Vander Eyk with an assist from Kuepfer.
It was a fantastic team effort by all the players and Travis Bannerman made some great saves when he was needed to help keep the boys in the game.
Game 3 goes this upcoming Friday night in Wallace where the boys can clinch the series with another win. Come out to cheer them on to victory. Don't forget to buy your 50-50 tickets for a chance to win some extra spending money !!!