The Mitchell Midget Local League boys have had a lot of ups
and downs during this playoff season. They have struggled to stay out of the
penalty box which may or may not be the cause of how hard they needed to work
to secure a win.
Since March 4 the boys have won their last four games but this has not been an easy task. March 4 resulted in a win against the Central Perth Local League 5-2. The boys had a busy hockey weekend this past weekend having played Friday, March 9 on home ice against Goderich, securing the win 7-6. This was a fast paced game with only six penalty minutes against our boys. Goderich however managed to stay out of the box with only one penalty noted on the game sheet. Goals secured by Mitchell go to Tristan Beehler, Christian Simpson, Jackson MacArthur (2 scored!!), Connor Louwagie, Caleb Tweddle, and Des Finlayson. That being said, Goderich kept a tight rope on us scoring three goals in the third and putting the fear of the loss into the fans in the stands. A shout out to our goalie, Steve Daum, for continuing to keep an upper hand on the goals against us! You continually strive for the best and you don’t give up which is an important part to being a team member.
The excitement continued with a game the very next day in Walkerton wherein both teams continued to strive in the penalty box rather than on the ice. For every penalty Mitchell took, Walkerton scored a goal. The time spent renovating the penalty box could better have been spent on the ice securing the lead or defending the one we already had-this is hockey playoffs however. Spectators had a difficult time following what was happening as the score keepers were having difficulty keeping track of what was happening on the ice. The clock at times felt like it had not ran and penalties were not being count down on the screen. That said, many anxious parents awaited the end of the game. Mitchell secures the win 7-5 in Walkerton with goals scored Jackson MacArthur, Eric Dearing, Tristan Beehler, Caleb Tweddle, and Nate Baker. Assists go to the credit of Tristan Beehler, Anthony Beuerman, and Connor Louwagie.
The final game of the round was played last night in Mt Forest. Anticipation was building as we entered the building. The boys were focused and the puck dropped. Period one was a well played period full of speed and shots on net. Our goalie, Ryan Bell, was on his game and prevented many opportunities of the Mt. Forest team. Period one also was a rough one for penalties. Both teams were to serve 10 minutes each in penalties just in the first. The game continued with frustrated fans chirping at their own players and amongst each other in the stands. The players were equally as frustrated as you could see them communicating with the other team – perhaps complimenting their last play (I am doubtful that was really what occurred.) Period two and three were nail biters with fans sitting on the edge of their seats or walking the track above the ice to wear off some anxiety. Both teams tried hard and skated with their heart and soul. Emotions got the best of some. Fortunately, Mitchell was able to secure its lead resulting in a final win against Mt. Forest. Both goals scored by Tristan Beehler with assists by Connor Louwagie and Jackson MacArthur.
Mt. Forest will play tonight and depending on their results we will either move forward or we will be finished for the year.
In the spirit of hockey, THANK YOU to the coaches, trainers and all parents who have volunteered their time this hockey season. Many friendships were made and fun had throughout the season. Let’s hope we can thrive on what we experienced over this season rather than dwell on the less happy times observed.