The Atom AE Cyclones have finished their round-robin
playoffs with a respectable 5-1-0 record.
The team played their final away game March 2 in Zurich. Zurich had put up a tough fight in the regular season, but the Cyclones knew that winning the next two games was necessary if they wished to continue with the season. With that in mind the Cyclones came out with lots of energy. They were able to control much of the play early, and scored less than four minutes in to take the first lead of the game. It was short lived though as Zurich battled back, scoring less than two minutes later. With the game tied Listowel continued to play well. The team was rewarded with just over a minute remaining in the period, scoring to regain the lead.
The Cyclones carried their momentum into the second period, scoring early to take their first two goal lead of the game. With the help of the defense holding the offensive line, the team continued to pressure. The Cyclones would add another mid-way through the period to take a 4-1 lead. Zurich never did quit though, as they would add a goal of their own before the end of the period to cut the lead to two.
To begin the third Zurich had some jump in their game. They controlled much of the play to begin the period, scoring five minutes in to get within one. However, after a slow start to the period Listowel was able to find the back of the net two minutes later to regain their two goal lead. From there nothing else would get past the Listowel goaltender and the team’s offense would add another making the final 6-3.
Following a weekday win on the road, the Cyclones were set to face Zurich once again, at home this past Saturday. This game was once again a back and forth battle. This time, Zurich scored the first goal of the game, taking a 1-0 lead into the first intermission.
Listowel was able to answer quickly to start the second period, scoring under a minute in. However, Zurich continued to play hard and regained their lead less than two minutes leader. The scoring continued as Listowel was able to tie the game once again just over a minute later. After three goals in three minutes, the game slowed down. Both teams traded chances but the period would end tied 2-2.
Both teams pushed for the lead in the third period, but defense and goaltending would prevail as the game was heading to overtime. The Cyclones once again knew that a win would guarantee playing more hockey this season. With that in mind they came out playing well in the overtime period, and were rewarded with a power play opportunity. The Cyclones were able to capitalize, scoring to take the game by a final of 3-2.
The Cyclones will now wait and see how the round-robin finishes. They may face Mitchell in a one game play-off, or move onto the WOAA Neilson finals.