With the weather blowing outside, the Cycs where swirling inside the Listowel arena as they battled the BCH Ice Dogs to a 4-4 tie.
These 2 teams have met twice earlier with BCH coming out on top both times by a goal, but that only served as fuel for the hometown men. The AE’s came out determined to change the tide, but it was BCH who opened the scoring mid way through the 1st. However Jackson Martin banged home a power-play goal late in the 1st to tie the game (assists Lockie, Boisvert). This see-saw affair saw BCH regain the lead a couple times in the 2nd only to have the determined Cycs tie it both times seconds after the Ice Dogs took the lead. The 2nd Cyc goal, just 36 seconds after the BCH tally, was potted by Drew Hicks on a laser to the top shelf (assists Boisvert), while the 3rd goal was scored 27 seconds after falling behind, by Michael Lockie as his hard work driving to the net was rewarded with a nice feed from Chris Daviau (Martin drew the 2nd assist). Then with time running out in the 2nd period BCH would again take the lead.
After the break down 4-3 the Cycs looked to make a couple simple adjustments, and they proved beneficial as they came out flying in the 3rd. This period was dominated by the hometown Cycs as they continued to get several quality scoring chances, only to have the Ice Dog tender kick them aside. However it would be Jackson Martin who would tie the game for the 4th time as he again banged home a rebound (assists Lockie). The Cycs continued to pressure and looked to take their first led but Ryan Nelson’s shot hit iron and ricocheted out. That would be as close as they could come, but still earning a well deserved 4-4 tie.
Most teams try to strive for improvement by Christmas, and I’m sure those watching the Midget AE’s are beginning to see that improvement. Better puck movement and a more consistent effort are the key contributing factors for the team’s recent success. Keep up the good work.