The Midget AE season can to an abrupt end as Saugeen Shores beat the Cycs in 3 straight games.
Throughout the series penalties proved to be the difference, some deserved while some calls (mainly in Port) where very suspect. However over the series the Cycs gave up 7 power-play goals which was just too many to overcome.
Game 1 was in Port Elgin and the Cycs 2 week layoff was evident from the start as the quick Storm team applied relentless pressure. The hometown boys on the strength of goal-tender Ryan Hak, did their best to hold on but Saugeen scored late in the first then added 3 more in the 2nd to cruise to a 5-1 victory. Listowel lone goal was a short-handed one as Devon Elg, buried the breakaway in the 2nd period.
Game 2 in Listowel saw a more focus Cyclone team take the ice and it showed on the scoreboard for 2 periods. Cory George got the team going mid-way through the 1st as he tucked home the games 1st goal (Drew Hicks & Adison Alexander assisted). Saugeen came storming back as they took a 2-1 led early in the 2nd, but the Cycs responded with 3 unanswered goals. Justin Bauman from Ben Verkley got the team’s 2nd then Matt Wilkans buried a shot off the face-off (assist George), and Verkley finished the barrage as he tucked one under the crossbar (assist Alexander). Saugeen would reply late in the 2nd, on the power-play, sending the game into the break 4-3 Cycs. The 3rd period was all Storm as Cycs couldn’t mount any sustained offense and despite some strong goal-tending by Andy Leith the Storm scored 2 the added the empty netter for the 6-4 win.
Game 3 was the following afternoon and again the game was a good even contest. Saugeen opened the scoring, on the power-play, in the 1st while Brady Buchanan answered for the Cycs in the 2nd. The turning point came late in the 2nd with the Cycs on the power-play and applying some solid pressure. Two quick and what can only be determined as suspect calls put the local boys short-handed. Saugeen’s power-play went to work again scoring twice before the end of the period. Heading into the 3rd down by 2 the Cycs showed a great never quite attitude as they continued to work hard however they couldn’t find the back of the net thus ending their season with a 3-1 loss.
The coaching staff wants to thank the players & the parents for their support all year.