Nov 14, 2013 | Rob Lee | 1194 views
CHARACTER REBOUND
The First Concrete Bantams showed their character in a tough set of games verses the talented team from Buffalo.
When one of the league leaders made the trip to Chesley the Highlanders knew they were going to be in for a challenging weekend and when Buffalo scored a couple early in the first game they sent a clear message to the home boys..."Show up or be embarrassed". The Highlanders did battle back with a quick shot from Noah Johnson after a nice feed by Jakob Lee and Zach Tupker but Buffalo seemed to take the fight right out of the Bantams with a last minute goal in the first to make it 3-1. Zach Tupker and Will Rickerby scored in the third with two assists going to Lee. Noah Johnson and Damian Sutton had the other assists. The game did not really reflect the final score of 7-3 as the Highlanders pressed the Buffalo team often, unfortunately, unable to capitalize on numerous 2 on 1's throughout the game.
Game two was a much tighter checking affair and Grey Bruce finally took a 1 - 0 lead midway through the second period. Once again, it was Johnson from Tupker and Lee. It was a short lived lead, however, as Buffalo stormed back to tie it and the scored remained 1-1 going into the third. Buffalo seemed determined to separate themselves and quickly built a 3-1 lead by the mid point of the third period. The First Concrete Bantams then decided to show the depth of their character as they began a concerted effort to force themselves back into the game. The defence held strong and a relentless forecheck soon had momentum shifting. Lee slid a shot in from the slot with assists to Noah Johnson and Brenden Clayton and Noah Johnson tapped in a rolling puck on the goal line. Assists went to Lee and Tupker. With time winding down, the Highlanders seemed determined to press for more and were rewarded when Noah Johnson scored his third of the game assisted by Zach Tupker. It would have been a fairy tale ending if the clock had stopped at 39 seconds left but it was not to be. Buffalo answered with a seeing eye point shot with 12 secs left to tie the game at 4-4.
Overall it was a sign that our boys can play with anyone and should never be counted out. The fans look forward to more of the same grit and character as the Bantams face the Oakville Rangers and rival Burlington Eagles.