Bantam Tier 1 See Early Success in Oakville, News, Bantam BB, 2017-2018 (Lindsay Lynx)

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Sep 18, 2017 | CDonnelly | 886 views
Bantam Tier 1 See Early Success in Oakville
The Bantam Tier 1 team travelled to Oakville for their first tournament of the year this past weekend.  It was the first time the girls would play at the BB level.

Their first game Friday was against the Huron Heat. The game was back and forth for the first two periods with the Lynx girls playing hard but showing some nerves and adjusting to the speed of Huron. The third period was more in favour of the Lynx but it proved too difficult for either team to score. It was 0-0 at the end of regulation.  There was a 3 minute 3 on 3 overtime with chances going back and forth but the goal tending proved too strong on either side.  Courtney Semach got the shutout (her first as a Lynx) and Taylor Allen had an excellent game in both ends.

The Lynx next game was against the Oakville Hornets.  The girls seemed to get over their nerves as their fore checking and play in their own zone was much improved over the first game. The defensive corps made up of Hannah Vallier, Emma Shanks, Julia Sudsbury and Emma Lees really found their stride keeping Oakville hemmed in their own end for long segments of the game.  When Oakville did get chances Mikyla Dietrich was calmly turning them away in net.  The offensive struggles continued and again the Lynx went to overtime.  The first shift of overtime the Lynx finally found the back of the net with Hailee Jenkins getting her first goal as a Lynx with a great shot from the right side giving the Lynx a 1-0 win.  Mikyla Dietrich got her first shutout of the season.

The last game of round robin play was against the Flamborough Falcons to decide the pool winner.  This was the Lynx most complete game of the tournament as they started to play confidently in both ends of the rink. Charlie Konyer and Belle Shaw had strong games in their own end while Gracie Cunday and Mya Mattiussi applied relentless pressure in the offensive end.  It looked like the Lynx were headed for their third overtime until Hailee Jenkins again scored coming down the right side and giving them a 1-0 lead.  They held on and got the victory while winning their pool without giving up a goal.  Courtney Semach got her second shutout of the tournament.

Winning their pool meant the Lynx would play London in the quarter final Saturday night.  The first period saw the Lynx start very slow and that combined with a couple of unlucky bounces saw them go down 2-0 in the first period.  They came out with more energy in the second but again could not keep London from scoring and went down 3-0 in the middle of the second period.  This proved to be a test of character for the girls and they did not disappoint.  The third period would be their best of the tournament.  The two centers Kayla Golden and Madison Donnelly had been strong all tournament but took it to another level in the final period playing physical and controlling the play.  After relentless pressure the Lynx finally broke through with a goal from Mya Mattiussi assisted by Emma Shanks and Kayla Golden with 5 minutes left and the goalie pulled.  The Lynx went right back down after the face off and scored 40 seconds later with Hailee Jenkins getting another assisted by Madison Donnelly and Emma Lees.  They continued to apply pressure and getting multiple shots in the last few minutes but couldn’t tie it up.

It was a disappointing loss but the girls kept their heads up knowing what they had accomplished over the weekend and in that final period.  Their first tournament at BB was a big success and knowing what to expect going forward will only make them stronger.  Great job ladies!!

Their next games are exhibitions in Lindsay against Peterborough September 28th at 6:30 and in Peterborough September 30th at 6:45.

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