Game 2 of the Tri-County Finals took place at Morgan Firestone
arena on Friday night. A scheduling glitch
forced the Avalanche team to wait an additional 30 minutes before getting to
work. There was fear that the delay
would cause some problems.
Ancaster had been working hard on the game plan all week and were mentally ready to go. In order to beat Erin, Ancaster would need to play a nearly perfect game. An indication of Erin’s strength this season is the fact that the only teams to beat them are now playing for OMHA Championships. Erin has not lost to a team not playing for an OMHA Championship.! Ancaster hoped to change that.
Ancaster came out hard and had many chances early. Sean rung a blast off the low post that could have set the table for an Ancaster upset. The chances continued but were turned away. A short 2-man advantage was not to be as Ancaster’s power play continues to struggle.
The teams traded jabs through period 2, again Ancaster had chances but they could not cross the line. Erin bounced a shot off Brendan’s chest with just over 2 minutes left and it took an Erin bounce and entered the net for the 1-0 lead.
Ancaster did not back down despite the third period getting chippy. In total Erin was called for 7 third period penalties. The Ancaster lack of offense could not finish. Ancaster ended the game 0-9 on the power play.
With 5 minutes left Erin took advantage of a pinching Ancaster D and scored on a nice 2 on 1 passing play. They would add an empty net goal to complete the 3-0 victory.
The Achilles for Ancaster continues to be a lack of offense. The Avalanche have managed only 1 goal in the championship so far. In order to get back in the series they need some bounces and some offense.
The series moves to Erin on Sunday for Game 3.