Nov 21, 2021 | Steve McGrail | 256 views
Sting Snag 3 points in Pair of Weekend Games
The Lambton lads came out of a busy two game weekend with 3 of a possible 4 points and have started playing some consistent hockey. A tenacious forecheck and two powerplay units that are clicking are providing an offensive boost for the Sting.
On Saturday, Lambton took on the fast skating Hamilton Huskies, a team they have yet to beat this season. The Sting came out and were flying in the first period and had a 3to1 lead after 1 period of play. The Sting carried the play and had numerous chances prior to clicking on the power play. Jace McGrail opened the scoring on a shot through traffic from the point assisted by Anthony Tudino and JJ Fogarty. Sting up 1-0.
Defensemen Owen Kalp followed up with a similar goal from the point that found its way through traffic to make it 2-0 Sting. Fogarty and Tudino both earned assists. Fogarty would then strike on a blast from the deep slot to make it 3-1. Assists went to Will Hull and McGrail.
The second period was disastrous one for the Sting as the Huskies woke up mounted a charge and carried the play scoring three times on goalie Joe Malinowski in the Sting net. It was 4to3 Hamilton heading to intermission. After some soul searching by the Sting the boys came out fired up for the third. Would they roll over and lose composure or would they fight back and steal back the game?
In the third, Lambton mounted their comeback on goals by McGrail, his second and a pair of third period markers by Anthony Tudino (including an empty netter) gave the Sting a 6to4 lead that they would not relinquish. Tudino and Fogarty scored on McGrail's goal. Kalp and Jacob Montesi assisted Tudino's goal and Will Hull blocked a shot and sent Tudino in for the empty net insurance goal. A well earned victory by the Sting 6to4 over the Huskies. Goalie Joe Malinowski faced 39 shots in the Sting net.
Sunday saw Lambton travel down the 403 to Brantford to take on the struggling 99er's. A much improved team and a better team than their record indicates, the 99er's jumped out to an early lead and had leads of 2-0 and 3-1 after one period of play. Lambton battled back and never gave up. A tenacious forecheck created numerous turnovers and many chances for Lambton. Owen Kalp got the Sting on the board with a deflection on the powerplay from a shot by Luke DesRoches.
In the second period, Lambton scored twice to tie the game 3to3. Kevin Waters unassisted scored to make it 3-2. Then league leading scorer Anthony Tudino scored to tie the game on a sweet saucer pass from Will Hull.
In the third period, Brantford scored early to make it 4-3. But Darren LaPointe would tip home a point shot from McGrail to tie the game at 4-4. Colton Graham would also get an assist on the scoring play.
Numerous chances by both teams resulted in no goals. John Chartrand stood tall in the Sting net and made some game saver saves in the dying moments of the third. The game would head to overtime for 5 minutes of 3on3 action. A powerplay in the overtime resulted in a two minute man advantage for Lambton. Although they controlled the play most of the OT, they could not solve the Brantford netminder. Once gain Chartrand stood tall in the dying seconds of OT to send it to a shootout. Chartrand faced 37 shots in the Sting net.
Shooters for Lambton.
Fogarty miss, Tudino miss, DesRoches goal,Hull, miss, McGrail miss, Waters miss
Brantford would prevail in the 6 shooter shootout...winning the shootout 2-1. Once again Chartrand stood tall and gave the Sting a chance to win.
A great weekend by the boys earning 3 points. Goaltending was superb. Defense were solid and Forwards are getting the job done.
Coach Derick Hare has unfortunately had to step down from coaching duties to concentrate on personal health issues. We wish him all the best as he focuses on his own healing. Thanks Haresy and we wish you well.
The boys now prepare for an East West weekend...with road games vs Waterloo and Windsor next weekend.