With 18 goals in two games Walkerton’s Power Workers Local League Bantams clinched their berth in the Championship series in impressive style. What made the back to back wins even more impressive was the fact that they resulted in Walkerton sweeping the round robin playdowns.
Leading off the back to back games was the Thursday night home ice match against Shallow Lake. Walkerton struck early with a goal by Luke Z, assisted by Matt M and Liam R, and never really looked back. The floodgates really opened in the 2nd period with a quick succession of Walkerton goals. Scoring were Matt L assisted by Ryan Y, Mark W assisted by Tyler G, Brayden D (unassisted), and Matt M assisted by Tyler G and Bryce M. As the 2nd wound down Shallow Lake got one back on a bullet shot from the slot.
Walkerton came out strong in the third with a goal by Tyler G (his third point of the night) assisted by Matt M (his third point on the night too). Further scoring was provided by Brayden D assisted by Mark W and Ryan Y. Mark W then scored his second goal of the night (and third point) with assists by Liam R and Tyler . The final goal was scored by Brandon D on a beautiful tip in from a Matt L- Bryce M passing play.
Excellent forechecking by Isaac E and Steven P, along with rock solid goaltending by Reed L set the stage for this impressive 9-1win.
Friday evening saw the PWU Bantams travel to Southampton to take on the Saugeen Shores Storm. Walkerton looked like it might have its winning streak threatened when Saugeen Shores racked up a 2-0 lead early on. As the first period ended though, Luke Z fired one in from a distance and found the netting.
That goal seemed to spark something in Walkerton as they went on a 7 goal scoring spree in the 2nd. Scoring were Matt L (unassisted), Luke Z, assisted by Matt L, Matt L again, assisted by Ryan Y and Mark W, Isaac E assisted by Brayden D, Steven P assisted by Matt M, and on the same shift Steven P again (unassisted) and Matt L (unassisted).
In the third, Matt L capped a 4 goal -5 point game after taking the feed from Brandon D. Great goaltending by substitute Calder D sure helped the winning streak cause.
What was most impressive with these two wins was the incredible discipline and cool heads every member of the PWU Bantams showed. Playing two teams with nothing on the line could have been a recipe for a lot of problems, but after every questionable hit, or face scrubbing in front of the net, Walkerton players turned around, focused on the Championship series to come and skated away. This poise is something every hockey fan in Walkerton should celebrate. A big congratulation on the playoff run of the PWU Bantams-with hopes of more to come.