October 29, 2006...TIGERS BACK ON TRACK

After a disappointing performance last Friday the Streetsville Tigers were ready to roar back and display once again what they can do when committing to hard work and execution of the game plan.

As has been the case for most games this season, the Tigers found themselves shorthanded early in the game forcing them to implement their shorthanded strategy. They were successful in killing off the penalty with some inspired play. Both teams set the tone for the game early with some big hits. Mark Shiozaki was sent flying after being hit by one of the bigger Braves players, retribution for a hip check Shiozaki had laid on him earlier. The strategy on both sides was to show up with intensity on every play, hoping to force an error. With 4:30 remaining in the period the Tigers were rewarded with their 1st goal when Mark Shiozaki lifted a backhand past the Braves goaltender after some tenacious fore-checking by the Tigers. The 1st period ended with the Tigers leading 1-0 but also shorthanded to start the 2nd.

On the ensuing face-off to start the period Ryan Johnston scored a beautiful shorthanded goal after just 30 seconds. Streaking (with clothes on that is) down his wrong side, Johnston used Dustin Hayward as a decoy and went straight to the net, with a deke around the goalie being the final move of his routine…10 from the Canadian judge. With the momentum now in the Tigers favour they surged ahead 3-0 on a goal by Riley Skyba. “Sky” had positioned himself in a position that allowed for effective reconnaissance from in front of the net. After relaying the co-ordinates to gunner David Johnston on the right point, the cannon was fired and although the goaltender got a piece of it Skyba pounced on the rebound.

The Tigers continued the onslaught with their 4th goal coming from "friendly fire" as Nick Wallace controlled the puck behind the opponents net and fired it on off the Braves player. 4-0 Tigers.

Still with just 4 minutes counting down on the clock Justin Iskra scored as he tucked a nice backhand behind the Braves goaltender making it 5-0. Not to be outdone by his son, Joe Iskra made a spectacular one-handed grab as the errant puck went into the stands. Throughout the game Matt Emanuele was up for the challenge whenever called upon until the Braves finally put one past him near the end of the 2nd period making the score 5-1.

As the Tigers entered into the 3rd period they had to be careful not to look too far ahead and continue their focus on the final 15 minutes. The contact actually increased with some nice hits on both sides. With 8:46 left David Canavan scored the 6th Tigers goal on the power play. The Tigers exhibited some adept passing with the exclamation being the final goal.

The final score was 6-1 and with that the Tigers remain in 8th place. The next game is on Tuesday October 31 @ Tomken against the 3rd place Mississauga North Stars.

Home