The Walkerton Power Workers LL Bantams hosted the strong team from Hanover and it was anticipated these long time rivals would provide a great game for fans. Both teams did not disappoint with strong end to end, back and forth play.
The first play saw exciting action with tight playing by both teams. Calder D, called up from Pee Wee for the game, showed he belonged with the big boys by making several highlight reel saves keeping Walkerton in the game. At the other end of the rink Ben D was standing on his head turning aside peppering shots from Walkerton. With such strong goaltending the period ended in a 0-0 tie.
Most of the 2nd period was over before Hanover managed to somehow get a pinpoint accurate shot into the net. With the first period being dominated by play in the Hanover end, Walkerton had the tables turned on them and had to face a barrage of pressure. Strong defence by Brayden D, Brandon D, Luke Z and Liam R helped hold back the tide. With the late Hanover goal being the difference when the buzzer went off, the teams retired to the dressing room to plot their final period of play.
Whatever Coach Davidson said must have struck home as Walkerton came out and quickly tied the game with a strong goal by Matt L ably assisted by Matt M and Tyler G. Hanover wasn’t done yet though and scored two quick goals to pull ahead again. Walkerton has shown all season that they never give up and this was much in evidence. Matt L, with his second goal of the game, found the back of the net after great passes by Matt M and Brayden D -those three players having had outstanding games.
Walkerton could smell a possible tie and came storming back. Brayden D was an unstoppable force almost getting in alone on a breakaway. Walkerton pulled their goalie and began the attack. Walkerton came close a number of times, but was not able to get the puck past Hanover’s Ben D who made 9 consecutive saves within about 20 seconds- any of which could have made it into an NHL highlight reel. Walkerton played well, but couldn’t break the wall in front of the net. Final score 3-2, with an impressive performance by both teams.