The
West Northumberland U11 B Wild are
OWHA Tier II East Division Champions, after a tightly contested series with the Peterborough Ice Kats.
Playoff Recap:
Game 1: The Wild opened the series on home ice, hosting the Ice Kats, in Bewdley. After a scoreless first period,
Emmy L. (assisted by
Maddy L. and
Haevan D.) opened the scoring at the 5:11 mark of the second period. Before the end of that period, the Ice Kats had two scoring opportunities that were turned aside by
Dylan E. who stood tall in the Wild crease to record her third straight playoff shutout and preserve the
1-0 win.
Game 2: The Wild travelled to Peterborough for Game 2, the following night with hopes of closing out the series. The teams exchanged opportunities at both ends of the ice, none of which were more exciting than a breakaway attempt by
Kennedy C., with less than 5 seconds remaining in the game, where her shot beat the Ice Kats goalie over the right shoulder but hit the crossbar as time expired.
Dylan E., once again, put forth a solid showing to record another shutout and secure the
0-0 tie.
Game 3: The Wild, having home ice advantage in the series, hosted the Ice Kats in front of a boisterous crowd at the Jack Burger for a Sunday afternoon affair. After recording a win and a tie, the Wild led the series 3 points to 1 and could successfully win the series with a win or a tie. The girls spotted the Ice Kats a 2-0 lead early in the first, before
Emmy L. (assisted by
Haevan D.) opened the scoring for the Wild on a breakaway, with 2:26 remaining in the first. After a scoreless second period, the Wild knew they would need to dig deep in the third to even the score against a tough Ice Kats team. As time ticked off the clock, some wondered if the time would come...finally, with 1:14 left in regulation
Haevan D. (assisted by
Maddy L. and
Aubree R.) picked up the puck behind the Ice Kats net and tucked it inside the post before the goalie could shut the door. Following the goal and a Peterborough time out, the Wild girls were successful in killing the remaining time on the clock and lock up the
2-2 tie and ensure their title.
The U11 B Wild will now advance to play the Orangeville Tigers, who were the North Division Champions. In the words of
Gwenyth P., during a post-game celebration, "
We're going to Orangeville, baby!!"
We would like to thank our sponsor, Graphic Packaging International, Inc…without your support, none of this would be possible.