The Midget AE’s seem to be getting things going just at the right time as they tamed the Bulldogs 3-2.
They followed up a good effort in Drayton, with another solid 45 minute performance in Blyth. From the drop of the puck all the visiting Cycs came out to compete. With this intensity and good puck movement the Cycs held the territorial edge hemming the hometown Bulldogs in the half of the rink for the majority of the 1st period. Their efforts where rewarded late in the 1st when Justin Jacklin broke down the wing cut across the middle then buried a shot from a tough angle. The 2nd period saw both teams open it up a bit but solid defensive play and steady goaltending by Nathan Fletcher held Blyth off the score sheet. Coming out of the break the Cycs maintained their focus, forcing the play, and again they where rewarded as Vince McNichol was sent in alone and made no mistake giving the visiting Cycs a 2-0 led (assist Quipp). A power-play would give Blyth their 1st goal but less than a minute later the AE’s would restore the 2 goal led as Jacklin found the hole from the slot after good battle on the boards by Ryan Nelson and Jackson Martin (both drew assists). Another Bulldog power-play would cut the led to 1, but that’s as close as they could get, as the Cycs defense and goaltending tighten up, giving the AE’s a well deserved 3-2 victory.
With the team only allowing 1 even strength goal over the last 2 games, the coaching staff is encouraged that the team seems to be hitting their stride heading into this weekend’s SilverStick regionals. They start their defense on Thursday night @ 9:30 vs St. Marys, then again Friday @ 1:30 vs Petrolia.
Go Cycs Go!