 |
|
December 29….TIGERS VICTORIOUS IN THRILLING SEMI-FINAL BUT FALL SHORT IN THE FINAL. Our Streetsville Tigers represented well this weekend but lost in the finals in a return match against the Monroe Winterhawks. It was no doubt rather anti-climactic after one of the most exciting hockey games ever earlier in their semi-final match against the host St. Catharines Falcons. In that game the victory was decided in a shootout after both teams were unable to score in a 5 minute sudden death overtime period. But to even give us a chance it took Matt Raleigh’s goal with only .3 seconds remaining in the 3rd period with our goaltender pulled. In the shootout, Jace McGrath scored the winning goal for the Tigers after goals and saves went back and forth at least 8 times. Matt “Bear” Emanuele was a standout as he challenged each Falcons shooter. Captain, Sean Corvetti also potted a key Tigers goal under pressure after the Falcons had scored to gain the early advantage. We could have all been driving on the QEW at little early if it wasn’t for that goal. In the 1st period Nick Wallace scored the 1st goal of the game as he pounced on a loose puck in front of the Falcons net, spun and fired a low shot at 5:05. The Tigers held a slight edge in the play but Connor Clark made some big saves from in close to give the Tigers a 1-0 edge at the end of the 1st. In the 2nd period the Falcons scored at 11:59 to tie the score 1-1. They continued to press and were rewarded with the go ahead goal at 8:29 to the delight of the hometown crowd. That set up the final micro-second heroics by Matt Raleigh as he took full advantage of his teammates charging the Falcons net with Bear pulled for the extra attacker. As the puck rebounded off the fallen Falcon goaltender Matt was in perfect position to bury it in the gaping net, tieing the score 2-2. The Tigers supporters went absolutely wild as the players mobbed each other on the ice. After some rather tentative play during the sudden death overtime period it took a shootout to decide the final outcome. While not for the “faint of heart”, nobody left the building and actually with time extended into the next game the place was packed with everyone enjoying the dramatics. It went back and forth and for a moment it looked like Coach Canavan would have to call on Adam “Lefty” Galbraith but Jace McGrath ended that thought abruptly with a deke and shot into the Falcons net. With that victory the Tigers advanced to the Finals where they lost to the Monroe Winterhawks. Nick Wallace, who had a strong tournament, scored the lone Tigers goal. One final note before I go. Matt and Mike are to be commended for an outstanding job of coaching the semi-final game. As sweet as the victory was it was a tremendous amount of effort on their part mixing and matching the lineup to field a competitive team. With likes of Dustin Hayward, Ray Cadeau, Adam Galbraith, Mark Shiozaki and Connor Clark all not being available for various reasons it was a huge challenge. A decision had to be made every minute. Thanks guys!!!!
|
