The Atom AE Cyclones have played their final two games of
the regular season going 11-4-1.
The first game was played against Saugeen Shores last Tuesday. Saugeen was coming off of a win versus Kincardine, so the Cyclones were in for a tough game. That proved to be true early, as Saugeen were able to score two quick goals less than three minutes into the game. After that, the Cyclones found their game. Just two minutes later they were able to answer when the line of Leroux, Matheson, and Kuepfer tapped in a rebound from a point shot by Frey to bring the team within one.
The Cyclones dominated the rest of the first period and carried the momentum into the second. The offensive unit continued to generate chances, but were unable to capitalize for most of the period. The defense core also played well when called upon. Alexander, Frey, Schmidt, Wilson, McNevan, and Wilken once again did an excellent job holding the offensive zone, as well as playing well defensively. Finally, with just under a minute remaining, the offense was finally able to break through to tie the game.
Heading into the third, the Cyclones continued to push, looking for the go ahead goal. They were able to do just that, when the line of Coelho, Werth, and Barfoot were able to score just three minutes into the period. However, Saugeen began to push back and goaltender Dietrich was forced to make a few key saves. The teams continued to trade chances until Saugeen was finally able to break through Dietrich, scoring with just under eight minutes remaining to tie the game once again. Not content with the tie, Listowel continued to play well. The back and forth battle continued when the line of Evans, Terpstra, and Balzer found the score sheet to give the team a 4-3 lead with just over four minutes remaining. However, Saugeen were able to answer back once again, scoring a top corner goal from the point to tie the game with two minutes remaining. Listowel would try their hardest to regain the lead, but the game would end as a 4-4 tie.
After a strong effort against Saugeen Shores the Cyclones looked to continue in the New Year against first place Kincardine.
This time the Cyclones had an excellent start. They were able to gain the momentum against Kincardine early, and heavily outshot the opposition for most of the first period. The team was finally able to capitalize with just over two minutes remaining in the first when the line of Matheson, Leroux, and Keupfer scored to take a 1-0 lead. However, immediately following the goal the team took two penalties within fifteen seconds. Kincardine, who had no momentum in the period, scored two quick goals to take the lead.
Listowel knew that although they were trailing, they were by far the better team in the first period. They looked to keep up the pressure offensively and tie the game early in the second. They were able to do that as Matheson, Leroux, and Keupfer scored their second of the game assisted by defensemen Wilken. Listowel continued to play well and looked to regain the lead. They were able to generate a few more chances, but it was Kincardine who would break through. The opposition scored two goals in six minutes to take a 4-2 lead. Although Listowel now found themselves in a hole, the team continued to play hard. With just over a minute remaining in the period the Cyclones were able to score to get within one heading into the third.
The Cyclones felt that they were in a good position heading into the third, and looked to continue to push offensively. However, it was Kincardine who were able to score early to regain their two goal lead. The Cyclones continued to play well throughout the third as they pushed to get within one. However, the team was unable to score and Kincardine would add another goal late to take the game 6-3.
Although the Cyclones were not able to pull out a win to end their regular season, they have been playing very well. The team will now head to Peterborough on Friday to participate in the Liftlock Tournament.
Congratulations to Werth and Matheson who won the player of the game jacket over the past two games for their hard work and dedication.