Admirals proving they can compete in loss to Essex 73’s
It’s still early in the season but already the Amherstburg Admirals are proving that they can compete with the best teams in the Provincial Junior Hockey League’s (Jr. C) Stobbs Division.
The Admirals hosted the Essex 73’s last Friday night in Tecumseh but came up just a little short 2-1 to the top team in the division.
The only time that Essex, which won its 14th straight, hit the back of the net was on the powerplay.
A week earlier the Admirals were beaten by the host Lakeshore Canadiens, another very strong team in the loop, 3-2.
“It’s not two points in the standings,” said Admirals head coach Paul Bortignon after the game against the 73’s, “but when playoffs roll around, we know we can play with these teams. Sometimes it comes down to the bounces and the fine details.”
Essex’s Austin Guevremont put his team up a goal with just three seconds left in the opening period last Friday.
Amherstburg responded and matched their opponent hit for hit in the middle period which seemed to add a big spark.
“Our fourth line set the tone. It’s always a different mix of guys, they are physical. They set the tone and give us energy when we need it,” said Bortignon.
The penalty filled game, which saw a couple of ejections, saw no scoring in the second period before Essex’s Adrian Bosev got his team leading tenth of the year with the man advantage. Amherstburg defenceman Freddie McCroy responded with a blast from the slot.
“We challenged the guys when it was 2-0 to battle and I thought we dominated the last 10 minutes of the game. Five-on-five we played better but when you give them opportunities they are going to capitalize,” said Bortignon.
Bennett Horrocks started in net for the Admirals but left the game in the second with a suspected injury, giving way to Hunter Welk.
Last Wednesday night in Wheatley, it was the visiting Admirals taking advantage of their opportunities, returning home with a dominating 6-2 win over the Sharks.
Rookie Blake Cowgill was the Admirals’ Player of the Game as he got his first goal. Linemates Parker Janisse and Alex Schneider each had a goal and assist. Also connecting were Cooper Woodman Matthew Gomes and Liam Thiessen.
“We gave up a couple but it was a great road win for us, that’s huge,” said Bortignon.
Amherstburg will take its 5-10-0-0 record against visiting Wheatley this Saturday and the next afternoon again at the Libro Centre, puck drop is 4 p.m. against the Walpole Island Wild. The Admirals will be without veteran Evan Klein who was assessed a two-game suspension as a result of a major head contact penalty against Essex.
SLAPSHOTS — It was Pink at the Rink Friday night in Tecumseh and the Admirals wore their pink jerseys and socks and raised funds for Breast Cancer Awareness… A recognition ceremony was held prior to the puck drop to honour captain Cale Marontate for winning the OCAA men’s golf championship.
Admirals proving they can compete in loss to Essex 73’s
By Fred Groves
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