Ward's Auto drives to OMHA BB finals
Article content
Tillsonburg Ward’s Auto novices didn’t need Game 5 in the OMHA BB semifinals against Port Colborne.
A 4-2 road win Saturday clinched it for the novice Tornadoes, and they didn’t have to come back for a fifth and deciding game Sunday in Tillsonburg.
“We scored one in the first, two in the second for a 3-0 lead,” said Ward’s Auto coach Trevor Lamb.
Port Colborne got one back, with about 10 minutes left in the third and the Tornadoes were quick to replay making it 4-1.
“They scored with a minute left to make it 4-2.”
The key Saturday, said Lamb, was coming out of the gates strong – and staying strong through three periods.
“We were dominating play, pretty much the whole entire game. I think it was more of a complete game for us, right from start to finish. We didn’t have any lapses in focus. And it started with our goaltending making the saves when we needed them.
“Our defence had a really strong game getting it to our forwards, and our forwards kept it in their end most of the game.”
One of Port Colborne’s goals came on a power play, the other off a scramble in front of the net.
“It was one of those games where it was a total team effort,” Lamb stressed. “There wasn’t one guy who dominated, everybody on the team – everybody on the ice – was working their hardest the entire shift.”
Saturday’s win gave Tillsonburg a 6-2 series victory. They advance to the OMHA BB finals against Strathroy, a team they’ve only played once this season.
“We played them in their tournament. We beat them, but I think it was a close game, and it should be a close series – which it should be in the finals.”
Lamb said the Tornadoes have to give Port Colborne ‘tons of credit’ for a hardfought series.
“They (Port Colborne) are a team that never gives up and it showed in the third game. We had a few minutes when we let up a little and they kept coming and coming. It cost us a bit in that third game.
“But I think we learned from it – I think the kids realize that if we want to win we have to play a complete game.”
The coaches were pleased to see the novices rebound from Game 3’s loss, and they are looking forward to a BB final series that must be completed by March 31st.
“It’s not a series we have to play weekends-only,” said Lamb, noting there was no pressure to start this weekend, but acknowledging they don’t want to wait too long. “I think they’re in a tournament this weekend.”
Tillsonburg 4, Port Colborne 2
Game 4
FIRST PERIOD
3:15 Tillsonburg, Beau Jelsma (Michel Laundrie)
SECOND PERIOD
7:32 Tillsonburg, Beau Jelsma (Liam Hicks)
0:05 Tillsonburg, Elijah Newson (Beau Jelsma)
THIRD PERIOD
10:12 Port Colborne PP
5:08 Tillsonburg, Beau Jelsma (Nolan McCrossin)
1:10 Port Colborne