by Paul Nixon
The Walkerton Capitals Rep Girls travelled to Essex on Saturday, February 23rd for a 2:00 p.m., game against the Lakeshore Lightning in the semi-finals of the LLFHL Playoffs.
The Lightning finished in first place in the LLFHL and only
lost once all season. The Capitals
played a strong road game and earned a 2-2 tie.
The Lightning struck first 5 minutes into the game when
Michelle Gomes scored from Riley Pirouet and Alexis Lachine. The Capitals Destiny Berberich tied the game
at 1-1 in the second with Missy Adams and Lauren McLean assisting. Gomes of the Lightning notched her second of
the game late in the second period again assisted by Pirouet. With the game winding down in the third
period Janelle Weber of the Capitals evened the score at 2-2 from Julie
Thomson.
The Capitals had a quick turn around with the Lightning
returning to Walkerton on Sunday, February 24th at <st1:ST1:TIME w:st="on" Minute="0" Hour="12">12:00 p.m.
This was a highly entertaining game with the Capitals winning 2-1. Berberich opened the scoring for the Capitals
in the second after finishing off a two on one with Leah Kittel with a shot to
the blocker side of the Lightning goalie.
The Capitals increased their lead to 2-0 on the power play at the 10 minute
mark of the third period. Thomson jumped
on a rebound after a shot from the point and backhanded it home. Joelle Busby and Weber picked up assists. Pirouet of the Lightning responded with a
goal with <st1:ST1:TIME w:st="on" Minute="50" Hour="18">6:50 left in the
third after the Capitals failed to get the puck out to make it a 2-1 game. The goal seemed to go to the Lightning’s legs
and they poured on the pressure for the equalizer. But Alyssa Inglis of the Capitals was solid
in the pipes on a number of scoring chances and stoned the Lightning.
The Capitals will be looking to the eliminate the Lightning
on Saturday, March 2nd at <st1:ST1:TIME w:st="on" Minute="0" Hour="12">noon
in <st1:ST1:PLACE w:st="on"><st1:ST1:PLACENAME w:st="on">Belle <st1:ST1:PLACETYPE w:st="on">River.
Before that tilt the Capitals battle South Huron in Walkerton on
Tuesday, February 26th at <st1:ST1:TIME w:st="on" Minute="30" Hour="21">9:30 p.m.,
in Provincial Play down action.