The Hoegy Farm Supply Peewee AE’s met Tavistock Titans in the first elimination game of the Silver Stick on Saturday night in Huron Park. These teams have already played close games this season against one another in exhibition and tournament play so each team knew coming in that it would be another tight affair.
First period play was scoreless for both sides with each side taking one minor penalty and Mitchell holding a small edge in shots 5-3.
The second frame saw Mitchell take three penalties playing short handed for six of the ten minutes while Tavistock stayed out of the box. Aaron McNeil stood tall in net turning aside everything the Titans could throw at him. Jack O’Rourke was all over a Tavistock turn over in the neutral zone and busted in on a break away to open the scoring with an unassisted short-handed goal to put Mitchell up 1-0.
The final period remained tight with both teams equal in shots at eight a piece. McNeil made many key saves and Luke O’Rourke added the insurance goal just after the midway point of the third with help from Jack O’Rourke and Nic Baker.
With the win Mitchell advances to the quarter final game Sunday morning back in Huron Park versus the Lambton Shores Predators. The Predators finished first in their pool and as a result benefited with the bye to the quarter finals enjoying a day of rest. Both teams have met previously in the Mitchell Peewee tournament last month with Mitchell coming out on top 2-0.
It’s now down to one game at a time on final day Sunday. Believe in yourselves boys…..short term pain for long term gain. Job well done!