On Tuesday night our boys travelled to Oakwood to take on a
very desperate Mariposa Lightning squad.
With 2 of our key regulars missing and several other
recovering from flu-like symptoms, the boys appeared to be in for a tough match.
The first period would prove to be very tight as both teams would exchange some nice chances. Mitchell was a rock in net making some very nice saves.
Late in the period the Wild would finally strike. With Parry doing a good job of digging the puck loose, Benge was able to pick up the loose puck and make a nice pass to Howell who slammed it home to take a 1-0 lead heading into the 2nd.
Mariposa fought back hard in the 2nd. Early in the period with a mass scramble in front of the Wild net, Mariposa managed to get the puck out of the scramble and put one top shelf under the crossbar with no chance for Mitchell to stop it tying the game at 1-1.
Both teams would continue to battle hard throughout the period until the Wild would strike again. This time it was Dowswell sending a laser shot through traffic to score his 2nd of the season. Great work by Parry in front of the net to screen the Mariposa net-minder.
Mitchell would make a few more nice saves to preserve the 1 goal lead heading into the 3rd.
In the 3rd, fatigue began to set in as the Mariposa squad continued to mount pressure on. Late in the period Mariposa’s efforts paid off as number 13 was able to fight off two Wild checkers and slide one just under the pads of Mitchell to tie the game at 2.
Despite several attempts to regain the lead, both goalies were rock solid as the game would come end in a 2-2 tie.
The tie improves the Wild’s playoff record to 3-0-1.
Our defense stepped up nicely in the absence of Wilson and Underwood. The foursome of Haecker, Yerema, Oke and Dowsell were solid all night keeping the puck in the Mariposa zone and getting the puck out of our own end.
Our forwards led by Howell and Giguere were feisty all night long creating several great chances. Bugg, Dewsbury and Benge had several great shots while Parry did a great job getting in front of the net and putting pressure on the Mariposa defense.
The boys now have a few days rest as they await their next victim.
Good work boys! Keep up the good work!