The MCR Atom LL Meteors played back to back against the Goderich Sailors this weekend and treated fans to a couple exciting games as they needed overtime twice to get the job done and earn four big points in WOAA round robin play!
Goderich visited Mitchell on Saturday afternoon and this game was a non-stop thrill ride! Mitchell came out of the gate strong and dominated play to start the first period. With goals by Grayson Yost and Sam Huettlin the Meteors got out to a quick 2-0 lead. However, the momentum would swing in the second frame as Goderich scored two quick goals of their own to tie the game up. The two teams continued to exchange scoring chances as well as penalties in this hard-fought battle. Mitchell would take the lead again in the third on Huettlin's second of the game. But Goderich would answer once again and tie it up 3-3. The fans were on the edge of their seats by this time and Brandon Dietrich gave them something to cheer about when he took the puck to the net and scored. Mitchell was up by one with minutes left. However, the Sailors would not give up and tied the game again sending this one to overtime!
Now it was anyone's game and the fans were tense and the players were grinding it out on the ice! Back and forth it went until Sam Huettlin took it to the Goderich net and amid a mad scramble the puck found the back of the net. Super Mario had completed the hat trick and the game was over! The crowd went nuts!
Now the team knew when they visited Goderich on Sunday that the Sailors would want to avenge their heart-breaking loss. And this game did not disappoint. Goderich came out strong and kept Mitchell on their toes the whole game. Goderich opened the scoring midway through the first. They had many more chances but couldn't beat goalie Keagan Meinen who was very sharp, making save after save. Finally, the MCR Meteors got a much-needed goal in the third. Grayson Yost picked up the rebound in front of the net and made no mistake. Bentley Phillips and Lucas Mahon assisted on the goal. The game was tied and both teams tried hard for that winning goal but time would expire and for a second straight game they were headed to overtime.
The hectic pace continued in overtime. Just a minute in, Mitchell would get a face-off deep in the Goderich end. Wade Campbell cleanly won the draw and got the puck to Brandon Dietrich in the slot. Dietrich wasted no time and placed a beauty shot in the corner of the net! The game was over and Dietrich was the hero of the day!
The competition has become fierce in the playoffs for sure, but the MCR Meteors showed this weekend that if you don't give up you will be rewarded in the end! Way to persevere boys and thanks for the entertainment!