The Capitals U18 LL team was on the road for its November
18, 2023 game as the team headed north to Wiarton to play the Bruce-Peninsula Predators. The two teams played a hard-fought battle
from the opening whistle and would feature some outstanding goals, a penalty
shot and some fantastic saves from the goaltenders.
It would be the Predators who would open the scoring early
in the first period when a goalmouth scramble found the puck sliding over the
goal line. The Predators would increase its
lead with just two and a half minutes remaining and would hold a 2-0 lead at
the end of the first period.
The start of the second period would again see Bruce Peninsula
come out strong and attack the Walkerton net.
Del Freiburger would make several key saves including a few that got
passed him but covered before they would cross the line. The Capitals would cut the Predator’s lead in
half when Luka Abell took the puck from behind his own net and up the left side
of the rink before deking the goalie and sliding the puck into the Predators
net. Walkerton would tie the game with 3:45
left in the period when Chase Kaufman scored, assisted by Marshall Odell and
Travis Goll. The Capitals seemed to get
inspired and put some extra pep in their game and in the final minute would
score two power play goals. Chase
Kaufman would score his second when he jumped on a loose puck at the side of
the net, Keegan Batte was credited with the assist. The scoring would continue when Kyle Graul
would send a snap shot from just inside the blueline that would beat the
Predators netminder. Walkerton would
lead 4-2 at the end of 30 minutes.
The third period and the two teams would continue to battle
hard along the boards and into the corners.
Walkerton’s Marshall Odell would score after taking a pass from Chase
Kaufman. A minute later Walkerton’s
Chase Kaufman would complete his hat trick when he scored top corner after
taking a pass from behind the net from Travis Goll. Bruce Peninsula would continue to press and
would be awarded a penalty shot with 6:39 remaining. Del Freiburger made a great save much to the
delight of his teammates and the Walkerton fans. The Capitals would score on the power play
when Duncan Abell scored from the top of the faceoff circle after taking a pass
from his brother Luka.
Walkerton would win the game with some hard work and perseverance. They battled back after going down early and
it continued to improve as the game went on.
To their credit the Predators never gave up and gave Walkerton a true
test. Both goalies were strong in the
nets making for some excellent hockey for all in attendance watching.
BRUCE PENINSULA PREDATORS – 2
WAKERTON CAPITALS – 7