Written by Leanne West.
The Biermans Bar and Grill Bantams had a very competitive weekend of
hockey at the SCTA OMHA qualifier in Brampton.
Starting the tournament off, the Bantams stole their first win from the Niagara Rivermen with a score of 3-1. Taking the puck down low on a pass from Jasper Akiwenzie (Owen Sound), Brent West (Shallow Lake) would see the tape of Logan Freiburger (Arran-Elderslie) who would make a quick wrap-around to the back of the net to start the scoring off. The Highlanders would then allow the only Niagara goal for a 1-1 tie. Jordan Caskenette (Owen Sound) would help his team take yet another lead, rebounding in, his first shot on the netminder, on a pass from Justin McCrae (Owen Sound). Playing with persistence, the Biermans squad battled hard to take a two goal lead seeing McCrae rush to the net to rebound a Braeden Marshall (Dundalk) slap shot. Netminder Jason Goes (Cooks town) would be sure to preserve the 3-1 score, and the Grey Bruce team would enjoy the winning beginning to their tournament.
The second game of the day was not as fruitful, and the boys couldn't find the back of the net enough times, losing to their rivals, the Hamilton Bulldogs. With the help of their goalie Tristen Lewis (Saugeen Shores), the Grey Bruce team held the Bulldogs down until the last half of the 2nd period. Down 2-0 going into the 3rd, winger Cole Hodgins (Mount Forest) would take the edge off of their two goal deficit, tipping in a slap shot from defense Jesse Schmid (Owen Sound) to create a 2-1 game. The Bulldogs would manage to score twice more, ending the game with a score of 4-1.
After a good rest and ready for day two, the Highlanders would play two more strong games, competing hard for an advancement in the tournament. With three wins under their belt, the Buffalo Regals would have to fight hard for three full periods to take a win from the boys. While the Regals managed a two goal lead, Grey Bruce did not give up their fight. On passes from Devin Perdue (Hanover) and Freiburger, Caskenette would put one past the Regal tender in a battle in front of the net to slice the Regal lead in half. The game would keep the fans on edge at both ends of the rink, with both goalies being kept busy. Finally, an unassisted break-away goal from Caskenette would tie the game up at 2-2.
At the three minute mark of the third period, the Regals would take one last lead on the Highlanders, with an eventual 3-2 win. Lewis played a stellar game between the pipes for his Grey Bruce team.
The final game of the tournament and for the season, would see the Biermans boys exit with a win, over the Oakville Rangers blanking them by a score of 2-0. Early into the second period, Eric Langridge (Saugeen Shores) would blast one in from the point from offensive passes of West and Hodgins for a 1-0 lead. Working hard offensively and defensively, the Highlanders would slow the Rangers down, and maintain their lead. Coming out hard from an intermission break, the boys dug deep to secure a win, as West would find the net on a breakaway from defensive puck movement of Akiwenzie. Goes would steal the shutout, as the final game of the season would end with a well deserved 2-0 win for Grey Bruce.
The Biermans Bar and Grill Bantams would like to take this opportunity to thank their staff, sponsors and fans for their support this season........
GO HIGHLANDERS!
Biermans Bar & Grill is the proud sponsor of the Grey Bruce Highlanders Major Bantam team and support local sports! You can find Biermans at 100 1st Avenue on the main street in Chesley, Ontario. Join us for 60¢ wing Wednesdays or $7.00 burger Tuesdays! Biermans boasts a fun friendly family atmosphere with a touch of class! With live entertainment on weekends and a large banquet facility upstairs with a capacity of 80+, there’s always excitement in the air at Biermans Bar and Grill. Visit Biermans, it’s good for ya!