Feb 08, 2016 | chris | 1641 views
Novices finish very strong but fall short
Parry Sound Optimist Club Novices traveled to Huntsville to play the Otters for their third game of their best of 5, 6 point series looking to stay alive.
The Shamrocks came out of the gate flying. Controlling the game and pressuring the Otters early. The Shamrocks had many chances before Evan Villeneuve shot the puck off the post, then pursued the net to score of his own rebound stunning the Otters early. With a 1-0 lead and the momentum in the Shamrocks favor the boys kept up the pressure until they were forced to kill a penalty. The Otters were able to score on the power play on a goal that goalie Bram Palmer had a piece of, but trickled in over the goal line to tie the game.
This seemed to deflate the Shamrock a little and ignite the Otters who stepped up pressure of their own. Getting out shot by the Shamrocks 8-2 in the first, the Otters turned the tables taking a 2-1 lead and getting 10 shots to bring the shot count to 12-8 for the Otters.
The third period saw the Shamrocks resist the Otters, Nicolas Gray had another strong game and was able to break into Otters zone at the half way mark of the third to tie the game in what seemed like a pivotal goal. However the Otters continued their game and their pressue. They had a shot that went of the post and right on to the stick of an Otter player who made no mistake. The Shamrocks attempted to come back again pulling their goalie but weren't able to get the puck in deep for any quality chances.
It was the end of a exciting season! Some tears afterward but hard work and major gains for a Shamrock novice team that went from being out scored 40-13 regular season against the Otters to only 8-4 in the playoffs!
Great season boys!!