Jan 21, 2014 | abader | 1354 views
Bantams swept by Goderich in OMHA playoffs
A lack of offense again plagued the Scotiabank Bantams in
their OMHA ‘CC’ six-point series with Goderich last week, as the Meteors
managed just two goals in three straight defeats.
In Game 1 on home ice last Wednesday, Jan. 15, Judd Walker poked home a blast from Luke O’Rourke to give Mitchell their only lead of the series. It didn’t last long, though, as Goderich evened things just over two minutes later then took the lead for good in the second period en route to a 5-1 win, counting two power play goals in the process despite very steady play from netminder Tyler Meinen.
In Game 2 in Goderich Saturday, Jan. 18, the Meteors fell behind midway through the first and the goal would stand up as the winner in a 3-0 loss. Mitchell had chances to tie and even take the lead but a lack of polish around the net hurt them. Jamie Adair's blast from the point just failed to cross the line, in the opinion of the referee anyway, and Jack O'Rourke failed to convert a perfect pass from Kevin Rops at the side of the net shortly thereafter or Mitchell would have tied it. Goderich doubled their lead early in the third, though, putting a stamp on the outcome then sealed the scoring with an empty net marker in the final minute.
Needing a win in Game 3 Sunday, Jan. 19 in Monkton to stay alive, Mitchell began the game on the wrong foot when Goderich scored just 31-seconds after the puck drop. The Meteors settled down somewhat and still only trailed by a goal late in the second, efficiently killing a two-man advantage in the process plus other shorthanded situations. Goderich doubled their lead with just over four minutes left in the second but 35-seconds later Kevin Rops’ wrap-around marker, after a fine forecheck from Ryan Bader and O'Rourke hemmed the Sailors in their own zone, cut the Sailors’ lead in half. But then the roof caved in, as Goderich scored three unanswered goals in a span of 2:42 late in the second period to build a 5-1 lead, chase starter Meinen from the goal, en route to a 7-1 victory and the series sweep.
Goderich now advances to take on BCH in the OMHA next round.
Mitchell will finish their season in WOAA Cruickshank playoffs, taking on Listowel, South Bruce and Hanover in a home-and-home set with each opponent. South Bruce has already defeated Listowel twice by the same 4-1 score, while Hanover eliminated Mt. Forest from OMHA competition and will take on Wasaga Beach.