After finishing the regular season with an impressive 13-3-2 record the Cuneos LL Atoms began the playoffs showing they deserve to be considered as one of the top teams representing Walkerton this year.
Cuneos’ only losses came at the hands of the Kincardine #1 team. All of those games were closely fought contests with Walkerton only being defeated by 1 and 2 goal margins. Cuneos fans knew it would be an exciting game when Kincardine # 1 became the first match up in this year’s play off round. This was an exciting game that was a real nail biter for fans of the team.
After exciting end to end action the teams remained scoreless after two periods of play. Brennan Wagner was outstanding in goal throughout the game, but truly kept Cuneos in the game during the first period. The rest of the Cuneos team played outstanding hockey, keeping cool heads and constantly taking the play to the Kincardine team.
Kincardine opened the scoring, but within moments Cuneos roared back tying the game. After a fantastic up ice pass by Isaac Elliot the play was finished with an outstanding scoring touch by Kyle Paulitzki.
Cuneos kept up their pressure, peppering the Kincardine net with shot after shot. Kincardine goaltending was impressive denying Quinn Tremble, Jordan Dahms, Reed Leslie and Brayden Davidson on what looked like sure goals. At the other end Wagner kept the net well guarded when called upon with some outstanding saves.
With 6 minutes to go Brendan Carmount found some open ice and pulled Cuneos ahead with another highlight reel goal.
Kincardine was not done though and began pummelling the Cuneos team, managing to sneak one past to tie the game.
The two teams then roared into overtime with end to end action that kept fans hopping in their seats. While the game ended in a 2-2 tie after the 10 minute overtime period it was unfortunate that a goal placed squarely in the net by Brendan Carmount was missed because of positioning by the referees.
Regardless of the outcome, this tie was a great sign of what dedication, hard work and team play and a never quit attitude can mean for the Cuneos team. Fans are eagerly anticipating their next playoff game and another strong performance and playoff season.