The Walkerton Capitals played game 3 of the playoffs at home for the first time this season.  The game would be played against the visiting Minto Mad Dog #1 team in the first of a home and away series in 3 nights.

            The Capitals jumped out to an early lead when only 17 seconds into the game Kyle Rompfh scored, assisted by Colby Schmidt and Cobi Johnson. Walkerton continued to shoot on the Minto net and chase rebounds but were unable to get anything else past the Minto net-minder who played very solid in net for the remainder of the period.  Minto made several rushes into the Walkerton zone but very strong defensive plays minimized any scoring opportunities, any that did make it to the net were easily controlled by Capital goalie Teghan Kauk.  The period ended with Walkerton leading 1-0 after 10 minutes.

 

            The second started with Minto taking play back to the Capital zone.  The Capitals and the Mad Dogs each took several penalties in the period, although neither team was able to capitalize on the opportunity. Walkerton was able to make several rushes but the Minto net-minder was equally up to the task of keeping his team in the game.  The last few minutes of the period Walkerton was short handed but again some fine back checking by the forwards and the defence finding opening in which to get the puck out of their end helped kill time and as the buzzer sounded, Walkerton clung to it’s one goal lead.

 

            The third was back to business for the Capitals.  They were passing the puck and had several break a ways but again no goals to show for the hard work.  The two teams each continued to press, but the goalies were playing strong and only a perfectly placed shot was going to find the back of the net.  Minto pulled their goalie with just over a 1:30 remaining for one extra attacker.  Walkerton won the face off and sent the puck down the ice but it glazed off the outside of the post.  After the next face off it was again immediately sent down only to miss by an inch or two.  Yet another icing call and a face off in the Walkerton zone.  The Capitals again won the face off and as time finally wound down they were able to keep the puck away from the Minto players.

 

            The Capitals played a hard game and were rewarded with their second victory of the playoffs.  The two teams will play each other again Monday night.  If the game is as good as this one all those in attendance should leave the arena with a big smile as this should be another nail biter of a game.

 

            Final Score

 

      Walkerton Capitals          Minto Mad Dogs #1

1                   …….                 0