Dec 08, 2017 | Karin Stockwell | 447 views
Hometown Smackdown!
When a team with a 1 & 8 record takes on a team with an
8 & 1 record, you might expect the ice to tilt in one direction. On Sunday afternoon, the Howell Transport
TCDMHA Midget LL Rebels took on the division leaders, the Hanover Falcons, and
true to form, the ice did tilt
in one direction, but not the way you might think!
As has been the pattern in many of their recent games, the Rebels opened the scoring, in this match with an unassisted marker by Chris Hardman, followed a few minutes later by a goal by AP Landon Heathers (stepping in for Jordan Longland), assisted by Hunter Courtney. Things were looking good for the hometown boys until the last minute of the first when Hanover scored two quick ones to tie the game. The Rebels led the charge again in the second, putting up a point in the opening minutes of the period on a goal from pointman, Duncan Martin, assisted by fellow blueliner, Lorenzo Pedro, and winger, Brodey Barwick. Hanover replied in what would turn out to be their last successful attempt to put one in the Rebels’ net, and the game was tied at the end of two periods.
And then, friends, the game EXPLODED! Having had the lead not once but twice during the game, the Rebels were hungry for a victory. The boys burst onto the ice in the third period and began a strategic invasion of their opponents’ territory. Scoring three unanswered goals in under five minutes, the Rebels dominated play, exhibiting their textbook grit battling on the boards and picture-perfect puck possession. Called up to fill in for Talmon Ash, AP Wesley Houston sniped home a pass from Josh Currie and Garrett McNabb, followed by Chris Hardman’s second goal of the night assisted by Duncan Martin. Jake Hartman drove home the final point of the night on a solo effort.
The key to the Rebels’ success continues to be stellar two-way team play and outstanding goaltending, this time by AP goalie, Jason Rudolph-McLeod, who stepped up to fill the shoes (skates!) of veteran netminder, Devin Early. Special thanks to our AP players who did an amazing job, sliding seamlessly into their roles to cover for our boys who could not be out on the ice.
Winning or losing, the Rebels stick to their trademark clean gameplay, and that has a way of getting to their opponents. By refusing to engage in rough stick and body work, even when self-defence might justify a response, the Rebels continue to frustrate their adversaries, earning the respect of all who have the privilege to watch and support this team. Carry on, Rebels! You do credit to our organization and to the sport of hockey!