Jan 20, 2018 | CherylAnn Golem | 437 views
Stayin' Alive, Stayin' Alive...
They may not have caught Saturday Night Fever, as it was mid-week when the Township of Chatsworth and District "Moggie Valley Timber Inc." Midget Rep Rebels faced the Drayton Defenders in a must win game, but they are Stayin' Alive.
Rebels had faced the Defenders 5 previous times this season and every game was close, but the Defenders always managed to come out on top. This game had the Rebels facing elimination from OMHA play in the best of 5 series where they trailed 2 games to none.
It was a hard fought game the whole way. The Rebels drew first blood at 11:25 of the first when Jordan Beirnes and Cody Cunningham combined to assist Alex Knight in scoring goal #1. The game continued end to end with opportunities and good saves at both ends.
Unfortunately, the Defenders capitalized on a breakaway opportunity with approximately 5 minutes left in the period to tie the game at one. The Rebels responded when less than 20 seconds later Cunningham and Hunter Schultz assisted Trenton Chegahno in finding the mesh behind the Drayton goalie to retake the lead.
It looked like the Rebels would end the period in the lead, but, with 20 seconds left, Drayton found the man left all alone in front and the period ended 2 all.
The second period was more good, fast-paced hockey. Rebel goalie Ty Mountain made a number of spectacular saves and the Defenders defender also kept his net clear and the frustrated teams continued to battle to break the tie. With just over 5 minutes left in the 2nd, Brandon Stewart beat the Drayton defender on the pass from Mitch Stevens.
Once again, Drayton responded as the player all alone in front snuck one over the goal line to tie the game and the teams headed into the 3rd tied at 3.
Both teams came out flying high. Rebels were fighting to stay alive and Drayton was pushing for the sweep. 2.5 minutes into the period, Drayton scored on the powerplay to take the lead for the first time in the game. But, a minute later, Cunningham and Knight combined to assist on Chegahno's second goal of the night.
Two minutes later, Stewart broke into the Defenders end and got the puck to Zac Nicol who scored the go ahead goal. Drayton continued to throw everything but the kitchen sink at Mountain, who turned everything away.
Rebels held on to win 5 - 4. Stayin' Alive as the series, now 2 - 1 in favour of the Defenders, heads back to Markdale where the Rebels must once again win to stay alive. 2pm Sunday Markdale - LET'S GO REBELS!!!