Novice Rep Cycs Open Series with 2 Wins
The Listowel Novice Reps opened their second playoff series on the road against arch-rival Mitchell. All regular season games ended in close scores and this playoff series is no different after two games.
In the first game, Mitchell scored on their first shot of the game, much to the enjoyment of the hometown fans. But the Listowel boys would wake up and played a solid game the rest of the way. It wasn't until midway through the second period before they scored on a high wrist shot to the top corner by Eric Vander Eyk. Assists to Sam Town and Sage Buchanan. Play resumed in the third period with a 1-1 score. The referees seemed to put their whistles away as there seemed to be many non-calls. After much perserverance, Listowel scored their second goal of the game on a nifty backhand by Vander Eyk with 5minutes remaining. Assists to Brandon Wall and Blair Johnson. Just when it looked that the game was in hand, Mitchell tied up the game with 2 minutes remaining. This game would go into overtime with fans on both sides on the edge of their seats. It wouldn't take long as Riley Kuepfer fired a shot from the point which was intercepted by Keaton Yungblut who quickly passed it over to a wide open Vander Eyk who potted his 3rd goal of the game. And there was much rejoicing !!
Game 2 moved to Listowel where the boys were hoping to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the series. Once again, Mitchell scored the first goal of the game just 3 minutes in. Listowel was firing a lot of shots on the Mitchell net, but unfortunately, the visiting goalie was on top of his game and would not allow Listowel a goal...... until late in the second period when Eric Vander Eyk scored five-hole with just 16 seconds left in the period to notch the score at 1-1. Assists to Kuepfer and Cullen Elg. Early in the third, Lsitowel was on the attack again as there was a goal mouth scramble in the Mitchell end before Brandon Wall slapped home the winning goal. Assists to Blair Johnson and Sage Buchanan. This time, Mitchell would be denied in their efforts to score a tying goal as it took a full team effort from Listowel to preserve the win. Travis Bannerman made some key saves in both games to help his team.
The series continues in Mitchell this Thursday evening. Listowel will be looking to wrap up this series in order to rest before the weekend Gordie Hymers Tournament.
