October 8, 2006... TIGERS SPLIT GAMES 3 & 4 IN THE WHITBY TOURNAMENT
GAME 3
Game 3 of the Whitby Tournament for the Streetsville Tigers saw them facing the neighbours to east Oshawa. Tigers were anxious to continue there winning streak and were quick to let their opponents know that they were on the prowl. Nick Wallace continued his physical game and delivered another one of his thundering body checks at the 8 minute mark. Despite their early efforts the Tigers fell behind 1-0 with 5 minutes left.

With time running out in the 1st period Adam Hiscock roofed a wrist shot by a surprised Oshawa netminder, the official clock showed only 29 seconds left in the period. Hiscock again showing that in close he has the hands to get the job finished. The ensuing face off started the clock again and then suddenly with only 14 seconds left Ryan Johnston walked in from the blue line and released a laser to the lower right side, giving the Tigers a 2-1 lead at the end of the 1st.

Since the beginning of the tournament Ryan has made him self known up close and personal to all of the Tiger opponents. Heads are up and ears are attentive to the footsteps coming from behind. David Canavan also contributed with a few direct hits of his own after “locking on” with his radar.

The Tigers started the 2nd period where they left off. Adam Galbraith joined the “Hitmen” with a hard body check that rocked the player’s teeth. Unfortunately for Adam the referee interperated the hit as a major penalty and so he was sent to the dressing room along with a 3 game suspension. On the ensuing power-play Oshawa scored to tie the game 2-2.

As play continued the Tigers consistency was prominent with the likes of Justin Iskra, Riley Skyba and Sean Corvetti leading the way. 3 minutes into the 2nd period Nick Wallace scored and the Tigers took the lead 3-2.

With approximately 6 minutes left the Tigers were on the power play. Adam Hiscock scored his 2nd goal of the game giving the Tigers a 4-2 lead. The goal was made possible set on a smart play by David Johnston from the right point as he spotted Hiscock in front for the perfect deflection. This completed the scoring for the game and giving the Tigers their 3rd win in as many games.

GAME 4
The Pickering Panthers were the Tigers opponents for game 4. With the maximum 6 points after 3 games, the Streetsville Tigers guaranteed themselves a spot in the finals Monday morning. Coincidently these same 2 teams will battle in the Championship game.

At the start of the game both teams seemed a bit tenative, scoping out the talent on both sides. Pickering opened the scoring to take a 1-0 lead but it seemed to pump up the Tigers...Game On!! Soon after the Panthers scored Ryan Johnston streaked up the left side and he would not be denied. He out muscled the much larger Pickering defenceman while giving him a lesson in guts and determination. Johnston was rewarded with the Tigers 1st goal of the evening making the score 1-1.

The 2nd period saw the Tigers and Panthers both taking numerous penalties or should I say given penalties. To complicate matters David Canavan got called for hitting from behind to shorten their bench even further. Unfortunately the officials were a factor for both teams as their precedent setting inconsistency prevented the game from getting into any sort of a rhythm. The Tiger supporters in the stands voiced there concerns vociferously, which seemed to only add more fuel to the fire. The 2nd period ended 1-1.

The Pickering Panthers scored early twice in the 3rd period to take a 3-1 lead. The penalty calls continued throughout the period leading to Head Coach Mike Canavan being sent to the showers. He could no longer hold back his frustrations and so he “took one for the team”.

The game left a lasting impression with all parties involved from the players, the supporters, the coaches, concession stand attendants, zamboni driver and Motel 6 desk clerk (OK…I’m allowed to embellish a bit!!). There was great anticpation for the Championship game.

Home