Saturday evening marked the opening of the 07/08 playoff season for the Streetsville Minor Midget AA Tigers. Their first post regular season appearance under coaches Mike Canavan and Matt Emanuele. Although the final result was not favourable for the Tigers, the game represented the culmination of much hard work by the coaches, players, manager, parents and supporters. The beginning of the game provided much hope for the fans as the Tigers came out quick but to the credit of the West Mall Lightning they successfully thwarted any attempt by the Tigers to get a shot at their goaltender. Less than 5 minutes into the game it was the Lightning who capitalized on an opportunity deep in the Tigers zone. The opponents player lifted a high backhand over the screened Conor Clark who was manning the net for the Tigers in this game.

The remainder of the 1st period was scoreless with the Tigers still in the game. In the 2nd period the Tigers were handed several penalties and at 8:52 the Lightning scored on a 2 man advantage. Frustration was setting in for the team but defenseman Derrick Johnson stepped up and handed out a few inspiring bodychecks. Overall he was one of the steadiest players on the ice for the Tigers all night. Down 2-0 the Tigers continued to press but the bounces all seemed to go the other way including some odd ones off the glass that seemed to defy logic. With the period nearing an end Jace McGrath played the role of opportunist as the puck flew across the net and it deflected off his left leg (nudge...nudge...wink...wink). With that goal the Tigers moved back into the game only down by one goal.

The 3rd period was penalty filled and once again the team from West Mall scored just as another 2 man advantage was ending. That seemed to take the wind out of the sails for the struggling Tigers. The final score ended 3-1 for the Lightning. Other Tigers standouts were Adam Galbraith with several scoring chances and Brendan Post who was steady filling in on defense.

The Lightning earn the first 2 pts in the 6 pts series and head into tonights game at Vic Johnston with some momentum. Having said that our Tigers have much more "Game" to bring and with the 1st playoff game under their belt they will come out inspired for game number 2.

GO TIGERS!!!!!

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