The Walkerton Capitals (Kinettes) midget B girls’ hockey team had an important game this past week as they faced South Huron Sabres in the first game of their final best-of-three playdowns to determine which team will earn a ticket to the 2008-09 Provincial Championships in April.
Taking advantage of their home ice, Walkerton came out of the gate flying and went to work on the Sabres’ defence. The hard work paid off and the Capitals lit the scoreboard at 7:27 in the first period thanks to a string of snappy passes ending with Jasmine Richardson tossing it in to Lauren Bell who sent it home. The Capitals doubled their lead with 19 seconds left in the period as Bell set up Richelle Busby who deked it past the Sabres goalie for a 2-0 lead.
Walkerton tried to enjoy a wee siesta in the second period but South Huron quickly noticed the lull and took advantage sneaking one past goalie Alanna Anstett. Awakened, Walkerton was able to fend off their attackers once again and no further South Huron goals were scored.
The third period brought new energy to the Capitals’ bench and, at 8:38, Bell tapped in goal number three with assistance from Busby and Kascha Fischer.
The end-to-end ice action was like watching a tennis match for fans in the stands as both of these evenly matched teams fought for admittance to the other’s net. However, by the sound of the final buzzer it was Walkerton who had the most points and the red and blue recorded the win. What a terrific display of women’s hockey for all in attendance – fast and furious.
This week the Walkerton midget B girls will mosey down to Exeter for a rematch as South Huron will try to tie the series and Walkerton will make every effort to simply finish things off. Our small communities and local rinks have some mighty exciting hockey being played right now by our homegrown athletes as they play their hardest of the season in Provincial playdowns. These young hockey players, from squirt to junior, are representing our communities every time they take to the ice in neighbouring communities near and far – grab your mittens folks and let’s cheer these ambassador