Feb 02, 2012 | Mark Langridge | 2304 views
Biermans Minor Bantams on the Road in Niagara
Written by Tom Macham.
The Minor Bantams improved their 2012 record to 3 – 2 – 1. Up first was a doubleheader with the Niagara Rivermen on Jan 14th. Game #1 saw the Highlanders working hard late into the 3rd holding onto a 1 – 0 lead.
Penalty trouble and an extra attacker after Niagara’s tender left the ice saw the Rivermen score with only 20 seconds left on the clock. The lone Highlander goal was scored by Donnelly (Walkerton) from Caskenette (Owen Sound) and Marshall (Dundalk). Final shots were 28 – 22 Niagara with Tristan Lewis (Port Elgin) minding the net.
Game #2 saw the 98’s come flying out of the blocks hemming in the Rivermen for the first 4 minutes of the game. Their reward came when Jordan Caskenette (Owen Sound) was able to beat the Niagara Falls goalie on a beautiful passing play from Hodgins (Mount Forest) and Akiwenzie (Owen Sound). The Rivermen responded late in the frame to knot the score at one goal apiece. The “TSN turning point” occurred right off the puck drop @ the start of the 2nd as the Niagara center was able to waltz right in on goaltender Macham (Creemore) and score the go-ahead-goal for the Rivermen. Two more breakaway goals in the frame and another single in the 3rd produced a final score of 5 – 1 for the Rivermen. Big #98 for Niagara was a force in the game scoring twice and adding a helper. Final shots were 25 – 24 Niagara.
Sunday the 15th found the boys back in Hamilton facing a Bulldog squad still stinging from a 2 – 0 loss earlier in the month. Missing their two “superstars” #44 and #17, the “Steel Towners” were still capable of mounting a formidable attack. Hamilton took the early lead but the Highlanders battled back only to come up on the short end of a 4 – 3 score. You never lose a game you just run out of time, as the saying goes. Scoring for GB was Caskenette (Owen Sound) unassisted, Caskenette again from Hodgins (Mount Forest), and Donnelly (Walkerton) from Hodgins and Caskenette. Final shots were 28 – 13 Hamilton. Tending the twine with his usual solid play was Port Elgin’s Tristan Lewis.
On Saturday the 21st the minor bantams made the relatively short trip to the Powerade Center in Brampton. In a rather “weird” game where both nets refused to stay in their moorings, the 98’s were able to come away with a 2 -1 victory. Scoring for GB first was Justin McCrae (Owen Sound) with assists going to Owen O’Donnell (Arthur) and Jordan Reaman (Mount Forest). The winning goal came from the stick of Jacob Wilson (Creemore) assisted by Tristen Rajendra (Port Elgin). Brendan Macham’s (Creemore) shut out bid was ruined late in the game as Brampton was able to get one by him on the power play. Final shots were 18 apiece.
The next weekend saw the Highlanders finish off their road schedule with a doubleheader against Halton Hurricanes and a tilt with the Guelph Storm on Sunday the 29th. Keep working hard boys.
Biermans Bar & Grill is the proud sponsor of the Grey Bruce Highlanders Minor Bantam team and support local sports! You can find Biermans at 100 1st Avenue on the main street in Chesley ... You can join us for 60¢ wing Wednesdays or $6.00 burger Tuesdays! Biermans boasts a fun friendly family atmosphere with a touch of class! With live entertainment on weekends all year long and a large banquet facility upstairs with a capacity of 80+, there’s always excitement in the air at Biermans Bar and Grill. New menu, New Chef, New management!