The Bantam Cycs wrapped up the OMHA semi-finals last Saturday night at home beating a very good Strathroy team 4-1 in game 4 thus taking the series 3 games to 1
Many predicted this series earlier in the year as both teams won their respective regional silver stick tournaments and judging by their previous 2 meetings expected it to be a close series. Game 1 in Strathroy saw the Rockets come out strong taking an early lead only to have the Cycs tie the game late in the 1st then take the lead early in the 2nd period. The local lads then took a 2 goal lead early in the 3rd period, but the Rockets closed the gap to 1 late in the game, however that’s as close as they could get as the Cycs held on for the 3-2 victory.
Game 2 in Listowel saw the Cycs open the game with the early pressure and their efforts were rewarded as they scored a pair of goals just 20 seconds about in the 1st period. The Cycs continued to pressure and again found the back of the net in the 2nd period. The Cycs took nothing for granite in the 3rd period despite the 3 goal lead, and with the Rockets pinching the Cycs managed to create an odd man rush which they made no mistake on. The Cycs would add 1 more tally in the 3rd period making the final 5-0.
Game 3 in Strathroy again saw the home team come out flying which created several good scoring chances, however it would be the Cycs who would score the games 1st goal of a set face-off play. Undaunted the Rockets continued to work hard and would tie the game late in the 1st period. Strathroy would take the lead in the 2nd then early in the 3rd add yet another. The Cycs continued to press but just couldn’t generate many good scoring chances then with the net empty Strathroy sealed the deal giving them the 4-1 victory.
Game 4 in Listowel was a must for the Cycs as they didn’t want to travel back to Strathroy the following day. Again it was the hometown team that can out hard as the Cycs almost scored on their 1st shift, but Strathroy would find the back of the net 1st mid-way through the period. The Cycs would catch a break late in the period, and they made no mistake tying the game with less than a minute to play in the period. Both teams exchanged chances in the 2nd period but the Cycs would notch the only goal. Sensing the series victory the local lads played a great 3rd period limiting Strathroy’s chances and yet capitalizing on their own, adding 2 more goals on route to the 4-1 victory and series win. With the victory the Bantams will now face Port Colborne in the finals, no game times have been posted yet, but should be available soon