Apr 17, 2012 | lzabel | 1698 views
Bantam AA Lightning Edged Out at Provincials
written by Rob Duncan. Despite clawing their way into the play-off round, the Saugeen Maitland Bantam AA Lightning were eliminated by the top-ranked Whitby Wolves in a hard fought battle at the OWHA Provincial Championships
In a game that many insiders considered should have been a gold medal match-up instead of a preliminary play-off round game, the #1 ranked Wolves downed the #2 ranked Lightning 3-1. The Wolves opened the scoring early, but the Bolts stormed back with a power play marker to even the score at ones. Lexi Smith tipped in a Jamie Simpson point shot off a feed from defence partner Ciara Lark. The game remained tied much of the game thanks to some keys saves from goaltender Morgan Baker until Whitby scored another late in the third. The Bolts pulled their net minder for an extra attacker and pressured in the Whitby end for the tying goal, but the Wolves dumped one down the rink into the open net to ice the game.
The Lightning began their preliminary round at the Provincials with a 1-1 tie with the Peterborough Ice Kats, despite out-shooting their opponents 43-6. Miranda Lantz scored with assists going to Tori Terpstra and Nikki Zabel. The Bolts’ scoring drought followed them into their second preliminary round game against the Barrie Sharks where the Lightning were shut-out 2-0. The third game against the Clarington Flames was a must win for the Lightning to advance. The Lightning confidence and balanced scoring attack returned with a 7-0 win over the surprised Flames. Scoring for the Lightning were Terpstra (2), Smith, Simpson, Ashlee Lawrence, Avery Reeves and Kaitlin Eckert. Assists were awarded to Neve VanPelt (3), Smith (3), Lantz (2), Cassidy Mason, Maddie Duncan, Hannah Herman, Lark and Zabel. Rebecca Ropp turned aside all Clarington shots for the shut-out in net. The much needed win moved the Lightning into the play-off round against the eventual Provincial Champions Whitby Wolves.
The Bantam AA Lightning wish to thank all sponsors, coaches, trainers, managers and volunteers who helped make their season a success. The players have little time to recover as try-outs for next seasons’ Lightning teams begin next weekend. Check the try-out schedule at www.saugeenmaitlandlightning.com.