Mar 07, 2022 | Rodney Hiemstra | 163 views
Cyclones Playoff Recap: Lineup Thinned as Grit Grew
The Listowel U13-AE Cyclones battled right until the end of their playoff run on Sunday, ending the year with just seven skaters.
While the wins may not have been there, the determination was easy to find as the short-handed Cycs wound down their season over the last few weeks.
With an injured Finn Molenhuis (X-Games tryouts) and various COVID issues, the club pressed on through their toughest tests of the season, playing games against local rivals while tackling the highest scoring team in the league in their playoff pool.
Both Aiden Metzger and Austin Frey saw plenty of rubber throughout the eight games and continued to elevate their play right to the final buzzer. Both helped their team remain in games for lengthy stretches, and even tied and won some third periods against tough opponents while down late.
Goals were tough to come by as the team was blanked on three occasions and limited to one or two in most others.
However, Hudson Ireland led the way with four goals throughout the playoffs, many in tight as he used his shiftiness to get to open areas while also playing a great two-way game.
Fellow centre, Noah Hiemstra, heated up as the lineup got smaller, using his speed to score three of the team's final four goals.
Finn Molenhuis managed to tally twice on a pair of solo rushes from his own end before he was sidelined.
His blueliners picked up the slack no problem though, as Spencer Henhoeffer netted a goal on a wrister from the blueline while he saw action.
Malcolm Long also scored on a brilliant effort in the final week as he out-muscled two Tara players en route to a flash-and-dash finish.
Joining Long in piling up the ice time on defense was Jacob Hodder, who battled illness while making his physical presence felt when needed.
Ryan Jurgens showed plenty of flexibility in his role as teammates came in and out of the lineup and he picked up a helper along the way.
Liam Ough also filled in on defense after spending the regular season at forward, and still managed to grab an assist while going full out on every shift wherever he was lined up.
Forward Avery Spencer saved his best hockey for when it mattered most, giving his all as the lineup thinned, leading to a pair of helpers against the club's toughest opponent.
Fellow forward, Owen Alexander, came in key for the club over the span of the eight games as he found himself in a plethora of positions and situations and was up for any task.
Nehemiah Dyck was limited in action but did well on wing to win board battles and aid Listowel's transition game when called upon.
The team would also like to thank Oliver Hershey and Brody Dietrich for taking the time in a call-up role and filling in nicely, keeping the Cycs from having to play with less than two lines for as much as they did.
Listowel will now enjoy the March break and then cap the season with a fun set of friendlies on March 19 vs. Georgian Shores at SKMC.