Mar 26, 2016 | Luke Holmes | 1949 views
Novice Rep Shamrock League Pool D Champs
The Novice Rep team completed a 3 game sweep of the Dresden Kings to capture the Shamrock League Pool D Championship. The series was an intense battle as both teams worked very hard trying to win the title.
The series opener in Blenheim was an exciting game which was decided in overtime. The Lightning scored first as Darric Brown stole the puck from a Kings defender and fed Aiden Campbell in front of the net for the goal. Dresden would then tie the game late in the first period. The next 20 minutes was a goaltending battle as all 4 goalies stopped everything fired their way. With 4 minutes remaining in the third period, Dresden was finally able to beat Russell Vaughan and take a 2-1 lead. South Kent fought furiously trying to send the game to overtime. With just 18 seconds remaining Sam Knowler found a loose puck at the edge of the crease and put it home to tie the game. Ali Altiman picked up an assist on the goal. The overtime did not last long as Paiton Desangher scored unassisted just 52 seconds after the puck was dropped, giving the Lightning a 3-2 victory. Griffyn Taylor was named Lightning player of the game for his solid goaltending.
Heading into game number two the Lightning knew that they would have to bring a stronger effort if they were going to defeat the Kings in Dresden. South Kent held a 1-0 lead at the end of the first period thanks to a goal from Morgan Paine assisted by Cohen Kirkwood. In the second period Sam Knowler would extend the lead assisted by Vincent Vaughan and Paine. The goals came quick after Knowler's marker as just 37 seconds later the Kings would score to pull within one. Then 21 seconds after the Kings goal, Ali Altiman would restore the 2 goal lead assisted by Aiden Campbell and Vaughan. Two minutes later game one OT hero Paiton Desangher would give the Lightning a 3 goal cushion assisted by Wesley Mifflin. Even with a 4-1 lead heading into the third, South Kent knew they would need to have a strong effort to achieve the victory. The Kings never give up and fight right to the final buzzer. Paine would score his second of the game early in the third assisted by Kirkwood and Vaughan. The assist was Vaughan's third of the game. With the game seemingly in hand, the Lightning would learn a valuable lesson as the Kings would continue to work hard and score 2 consecutive goals making the score 5-3. Those goals awoke the Lightning though and they would respond with 2 goals of their own in just 1:02 after the Kings tightened the score. Desangher and Knowler would each score their second goals of the game sealing the 7-3 win for the team. Single assists went to Luke Holmes and Campbell on the goals. Goaltenders Russell Vaughan and Griffyn Taylor made numerous saves to help secure the 2-0 series lead. Paiton Desangher was named Lightning player of the game.
The kids were excited for game three as they knew a win would mean a sweep of the series. A strong effort in the first period was rewarded with a 2-0 lead. Desangher continued his hot streak opening the scoring assisted by Luke Holmes. Ali Altiman would up the lead assisted by Knowler and Paine. In the second period the Kings would cut the lead in half until Kirkwood scored unassisted to put South Kent up 3-1 heading into the final frame. Once again the hard working Kings would score 2 consecutive goals, this time tying the game at 3 goals. The Lightning defence of Vaughan, Mifflin, Holmes, and Brett Stonehouse kept the Kings offense at bay with the help of goaltender Vaughan giving the forwards a chance to put the team ahead for good. Brett Hardy nearly had the go ahead goal but was left shaking his head after just missing the opportunity. Left winger Desangher was able to light the lamp again, his 5th of the series, assisted by Campbell. With a 4-3 lead Altiman would secure the championship scoring unassisted making the final score 5-3. Wesley Mifflin was named Lightning player of the game for his steady defence in the game.
Following the victory, Lightning forward Sam Knowler accepted the championship plaque on behalf of his Lightning teammates. His goal which tied game number one was definitely the turning point in the series.
The coaching staff is really proud of the determination and effort the kids displayed throughout the series.