Jan 13, 2012 | Dan Culbert | 958 views
99ERS Drop Tilt To Stars
In a game that was much closer than the score indicated, the Contractors Rental Supply Midgets pushed St.Thomas to their limit before finally dropping a 5-2 decision to the second place Stars. This was evident with the nature of the effort and the celebrations of a team that is 20 points ahead and 5 places higher in the standings.
Again it was the selfish play of a couple of individuals that ruined the effort of the rest of the team as St.Thomas took advantage of bad penalties scoring two power-play goals in the third to take control of a game that was up for grabs.
Insert Huszczo
As was the case when Brantford upset the Stars 5-2 in their last meeting, the home team pushed the pace early and had some good scoring chances. In a fairly physical game both teams played hard and with this came both chances and penalties as the teams each drew 3 each in the opening period while some solid goaltending and defensive efforts kept the score at 0-0.
The 99ers were short on a carry-over penalty as the second period started and this time St. Thomas capitalized as they beat Connor Curtin high over the shoulder with a terrific shot from in close. St.Thomas increased their lead a few minutes later with an even strength marker this time playing 4 on 4 as one of the Stars' speedy wingers cut to the slot and one timed a quick shot off a nice give and go. A positive sign on the 99er bench the team didn't sag but rather stiffened and when they were awarded a PP a couple of minutes later, some good pressure resulted in an effort goal by Brendan Martynuik as he came around the net following a scramble in front and jammed a puck past the Stars goalie with only 8 seconds left in the penalty. Scott Smid drew the only assist on the play as the 99ers were now within 1. Despite the home team taking 3 penalties to 2 for the Stars, allowing themselves to be outshot, the scoring chances were even as the 99ers had the puck in the Stars' crease several times with Andrew Schunk and Brayden Hill both having whacks at a loose puck on separate occasions. There was no further scoring and the period ended 2-1.
The third period started well for the home team as both teams exchanged chances but the better of them again It looked like things would take a downturn, as after a strong puck battle, one of the players was called for a holding the stick. This PK was another good rally point as a strong 99ers forecheck drew a penalty in the Stars end and even the play. This time it the home team's chance to score 4 on 4, this time with Ray Munro putting a shot on net that somehow eluded the Stars goalie and tied the game at 2-2. Unfortunately this lead was short lived as a turnover beside the 99ers net and a resulting quick shot squeaked past a surprised keeper to make it 3-2. On the resulting celebratory display and taunting by Stars they were called for an unsportsmanlike play penalty providing the 99er the opportunity to come back again. On the ensuing power-play a Brantford defenseman left the puck to attempt to make a hit on a Stars player who had never touched the puck. He was fortunate not to draw an interference penalty, but continued on after the whistle and took an unsportsmanlike penalty for taunting the other team to waste the advantage and provide the visitors with a PP of their own a when the 4 on 4 ended. The Stars then scored on the resulting advantage upping their lead to 4-2, and when a similar useless crosschecking penalty was called in the offensive zone less than a minute later the 99ers were short again. With the face-off in the Brantford zone, the St. Thomas team won the draw and it took only 13 seconds for them to find the back of the net on a perfect pass to an open man who one-timed it home to close out the scoring at 5-2. Brantford had 1 more opportunity to score when provided with a 4 on 3 advantage and then a short 5 on 3 for 25 seconds, and although they had good pressure and several opportunities, they were unable to get any more past the Stars keeper.
Next up for the 99ers is the Toronto Penguins this weekend.