Mar 26, 2015 | emuxlow | 1497 views
Playdowns FINALS Game#3 Windsor 2 Belle River1 0
The Windsor Jr Spitfires took to the ice to play the Belle River1 Jr Canadians in game 3 of a six point series. Windsor is up 2-0 with both games being barn burners.
Adie Knox arena was packed and with supporters from both associations as this could be the last game should Windsor win. It was a mad house to start and when the time came to drop the puck even Johnny B was drowned out by the noise makers!!
Windsor was happy to have Brian Lyne back in the line up after 2 games away. We knew this game would be intense, we knew it would be physical and we knew we would need to wear down our opponents key players. Both teams are deep, both have have break away ability and both have strong goaltending. What would be the difference maker in this affair?
Period 1
The game is halted before the puck gets dropped in order to wipe away some excess water. This makes the crowd even more antsy. Finally we are ready. The puck is droped and the game is under way. Windsor wins the face off but is is pushed forward and taken by the Belle River defense. The puck is moved up ice and Belle River has their first shot which is a lone break from the long legged AP who fires it into the glove of Chams. Bilal is looking sharp today. That save was a confidense booster. Windsor with a face off deep in their zone and wins it, Windsor storms up the ice and it is a pass out front to Gamble for a save. WIndsor is applying more pressure and the Belle RIver tender makes some key saves.
Belle River has another break but Kuharski makes his presense known and halts the opportunity. Later, Reimneitz and Renaud fight for the puck and move it to Miller and ITS A GOAL!!!!!!!!!!! Windsor is up 1-0 with 1:24 left to play!!
Both teams battle hard for the remainder of the period and the score remains 1-0 for our boys!!!
Period 2
The puck drops and Poisson has a chance stuffed. Play resumes and it is physcial. The Belle River team is playing excellent defense and are blocking shots. Later the Belle River sharp shooter is up ended and no call but a great play on defense by Miller. Windsor is on the pk, the boys are battling and Muxlow has a shot ring off the post. Later Muxlow shoots one and it is gloved. After the play he is whacked by a Belle River player and returns with a cross check followed by a baseball swing from the Belle River defender. It is hot and heavy but now Muxlow is in the box and now we are down 2 players.
Windsor power play is under pressure. Bilal makes a couple of big saves and Windsor gets outof trouble killing off both penalties. Now we are on the power play and the puck is in the corner. Miller has it and puts it in the net for his second goal of the game!! Windsor is now winning 2-0 with 0:43 seconds left to play in the second period. As the horn sounds it is Windsor with the upper hand in a very competetive and fun game to watch!!
Period 3
If Windsor can hold on they will win the Championship. The parents feel the pressure but do the boys????
The puck drops as we start the third and it is a pleasure to watch these guys compete showing just how far they can push themselves. Each player on the ice from both teams are giving everything they have. Belle River pushes into the Windsor zone and Bilal stuffs a big shot again. Both teams have had opportunities but Belle River seems to have had cleaner shots today. Windsor's #13 is called for a tripping penalty putting us short. It was a necessary play that stopped another big chance.
Now Belle River with a power play. Windsor has been able to stuff them and will try to do so again. Belle River is battling for the puck and the Canadians speedster forward gets it and is turns to get the puck and BOOM - he's blasted by a Windsor forward and goes down. There is no call and the player is hurt. The Belle River fans are screaming for a call but this does not influence the referees. After a while he is up and is able to return to action - great heart.
Belle River is fighting for their hockey lives and manage a couple of huge shots but Chams stands tall to the task. Windsor turns it around and pressure Belle River and are able to fire a couple of big shots from their big shooters that are managed by the Belle River netminder. What a performance on the goaltending end from both teams tonight. Now Belle River rushes to the net and Mosey with a big play. Both teams are performing at high level. Now ther is a 1:30 left and Belle River is pressuring in our zone kids are flying and diving and hacking away and we are called for a penalty with 18 seconds left to play. Windsor wins the face off and sends it back to the Belle River zone, the Canadians race back and the horn blows and the game is over. Windsor wins the OMHA West Division 1-2 Championship. THEY WIN, THEY WIN, THEY WIN!!!
The crowd goes wild, the kids jump all over each other and are celebrating. What a period, what a game, what a series, what a playdown, what a year...........and the party on the ice is wild!!
A Quote:
"The ultimate victory in competition is derived from the inner satisfaction of knowing that you have done your best and that you have gotten the most out of what you had to give" - Howard Cosell
I want to thank the Belle River1 Canadians for a series to remember. They pushed us to our limits and each person on the ice has experienced the pinnacle of human endeavor at this time of their lives and are now better athletes and deeper people. They have a knowing of what it means to give there all and receive full support from their team. They know what it means to be down and be lifted by a brother. They have experienced everything the game of hockey offers. There is a reason why this sport grabs people. These boys are now hockey players for life and have a bond that will be remembered for the rest of their lives.
To the coaches - you have expeirenced ups and downs and always remained positive mentors. You have put each child in situations they have grown from. You have impacted these boys in a way that has positively impacted their lives. None of these boys are the same as when they started the season. Thank you for your time, thank you for your effort and thank you for being our coaches. This is a year to remember!!
LETS GO WINDSOR
LETS GO SPITS
LETS GO
1-2-3 F
Windsor 1-1-0 2
Belle River1 0-0-0 0
Windsor win series
3-0-0 10-6