99ers Drop Return Match With Nationals, News, Major Midget, 2011-2012, A/AA (Brantford Minor Hockey Association)

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This Team is part of the 2011-2012 season, which is not set as the current season.
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Jan 22, 2012 | Dan Culbert | 1246 views
99ers Drop Return Match With Nationals
In a possible playoff preview, the Construction Rental Supply 99ers played their second game only 3 days apart, this time with the visiting Nationals coming out on top by a score of 3-2.  Following his shut-out of the Nationals in London on Monday, Connor Curtin again had the start and played well at the 99ers put forth another strong team effort in their attempt to upset the higher ranked Nationals twice in a three day period.

Insert Schaeffer

Just like on Monday, despite good chances at both ends, the goaltenders were equal to the task as the first period ended scoreless. 

In the second, again like in London, the 99ers got on the board first when Tyler Schaeffer was able to pick up a lead pass from Brent Smolarz then split the defense before backhanding a beauty high over the glove of the National`s keeper at 9:26.  The lead held up until two consecutive bad shifts late in the period, allowed the visitors to tie the game after a nice cycle play which drew the 99ers out of position with only 2:22 to play.  Then only 40 seconds later, the home team fell victim to watching the puck too much as a National forward curled off the wall and broke unnoticed towards the net, where he picked up a pass and one-timed it home to the far side eluding Curtin`s glove.

The 99ers regrouped at the break and came out strong again in the third maintaining pace and physical play equal to that of the visitors and were rewarded when they evened the score on a powerplay with just under 6 to play.  Again it was Schaeffer, this time banging in the rebound of a point shot from Smolarz.  The tie lasted exactly 90 seconds, then playing 4 on 4, a blown defensive coverage lead to a chance to gain the Brantford zone and the resulting shot and following rebound put the visitors back on top with 4:27 left to play.  Although there was plenty of time for a comeback, it seemed that this goal took something out of the home team and they were unable to mount any sustained pressure and the visitors were able to skate away with the win.

Next up for the 99ers is a home game against Stratford with 6th place on the line.