The Bantams showed great character as they won a 3-2 nail bitter at the Goderich Rec CentreThursday night saw the local lads travel to Goderich for their 1st game of the season against the Sailors. Listowel started strong and were actually robbed of a goal in the 1st shift of the game by the Goderich net-minder. Little did the Cycs know that this would be the theme for the evening. After solid pressure by the Cycs, Goderich made a quick outlet pass which resulted in a break-away and the 1st goal of the game about 3 minutes into the game. The Cycs thought they had tied the game later in the 1st only to have the ref rule against them, again this seemed to be another regular occurrence for tonight’s game. Listowel continued to control the majority of the play for both the 1st and 2nd period but strong Goderich goaltending and their quick strike offense busted loose every now and then for a good scoring chance. However Cyc’s goalie Braeden Ellis was always equal to the task. Heading into the 3rd period the Cycs character would be tested as they were again shorthanded and still trailing 1-0. Five minutes into the frame Keaton Willis would intercept an errant Sailor pass, go in alone and make no mistake tying the game at 1. Seconds later the Sailors would again take the lead on a nice stretch pass. Undaunted the young Cycs continued to press and Riley Conners would again tie the game as he knocked home a rebound (Blake Buchanan & Ben Rothwell drew assists). Conners would put Listowel ahead with 3 minutes remaining as he again was “Johnny on the spot” with Caleb Warren assisting. The Sailors pressed for the equalizer and seemingly helping their cause was the man in strips as the Cycs were assessed 2 minor penalties in the dying minute of the game. However the local lads weather the storm and secured the 3-2 victory.
The bantams next game in Sunday night in Listowel against Mitchell, then travel to Walkerton on Monday night.