Playoff Game 1 - Hanover Falcons, News, Atom LL, U11, 2015-2016 (Walkerton Minor Hockey Association)

This Team is part of the 2015-2016 season, which is not set as the current season.
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Feb 15, 2016 | Gerald McNaughton | 794 views
Playoff Game 1 - Hanover Falcons
            The Capitals travelled over to Hanover to play the first game of the Central South playoffs on Saturday, February 13, 2016.  Everyone was expecting a close game as the regular season games had been.


            The Capitals seemed very confident early in the period as they controlled the play and held the puck in the Hanover zone.  They were rewarded early when Kyle Rompfh took a pass from Cole Saunders and found the back of the net at 1:14.  Walkerton continued forcing play on the Falcons and it’s net but nothing else would cross the line.  Late in the period Walkerton would find itself down 1 then 2 players but were able to keep the lead of 1-0 through the first.

 

            The two teams started the second each with a player in the penalty box and the game was fast paced with a little extra open ice.  Both teams had several scoring chances but fine goaltending on either side kept the goal difference still at 1.  The Capitals came very close numerous times with a high rising wrist shot ringing off the crossbar and another off the outside of the post.  Again Walkerton was forced to kill a late penalty but the defence cleared the zone several times forcing Hanover to regroup.  The period ended with the Capitals leading 1-0.

 

            The third started with the Falcons pressing the Walkerton zone, Teghan Kauk was called upon to make several big stops early and was up to the task.  Walkerton’s penalty troubles continued with a cross checking call that put the Falcons once again on the power play.  Hanover tied the game up while on a power play at 8:51.  The two teams each traded end-to-end rushes but again strong back checking, and goal tending kept it squared at 1.

 

            With the period winding down Walkerton again was assessed another penalty.  The coaching staff called for a time out to go over last minute strategy.  The Capitals were able to clear the puck from the defensive zone and killing valuable seconds as the clock ticked away.  The third period ended with the two teams tied at 1.

 

            The 10-minute overtime started with Walkerton still down a man but killing the penalty with skill and speed.  The overtime period continued but the two seemed content with a dump and chase type game.  Walkerton took the interference penalty at 3:10 and were doing well with the penalty kill but as time was winding down Hanover was able to score to end the game and win 2-1.

 

            The team should be very proud of the way they played.  The penalty kill was very good throughout the game coming up just short in the end.  Not to worry there is lots of hockey left to play and the team will be up for the task.

 

Final Score

 

Walkerton Capitals                 Hanover Falcons

1                                        2