Hockey
Discipline + Confidence = Win
Delta enters the game down 2 games to 1 in hopes of pulling out a win tying the series at two games allowing them to play on home ice yet again.
Delta found themselves in penalty trouble early when Grandview cut to the net on the right side making one move on D-man Paul Georgeopoulos who got his stick stuck in the feet of the attacking player in the process tripping his opponent forcing the referee to send him to the “sin-bin” at 1:43.
With both starting “tenders” Latrace and MacInnes forced to make several key saves the Steelers had several close-in chances only to be turned aside by Delta’s Jacob Latrace.
Try as they might with tough defensive play Grandview managed to capitalize on a long stretch pass sending Jake Holland in allowing the Steelers to get the games first goal at 7:24.
Not to be outdone Delta utilized the talents of A/P Jonathan Stein 58 second later at 8:22 getting Delta’s first of the night making it a 1-1 game.
With both clubs having chances the next goal of the game came off the stick of Nico Bruno on the left side 55 seconds later putting them up 2-1.
Following the ensuing face-off it took Delta’s Captain Quinten Wideski 12 short seconds at 9:29 after an exceptional play from Grannary and Rubin to tie the game at two.
Delta wasn’t finished yet as at the 9:50 mark, yes 21 second later Justin Schwartz sent one flying past MacInnes putting them up 3-2.
The first was a fairly “tame” period with each team taking one minor while Delta was outshoot 14-7 after one.
The second saw fast yet open plays at both ends of the rink and it wasn’t until 19:59 when Steelers Ian Prevost slipped one past Latrace to tie the game at three.
This was interesting as the officials had an uncertainty between them as to sort out if it was in the net prior to the buzzer or after?
After a brief albeit short consultation they decided it was a good goal allowing the Steelers to take a 3-3 tie to the dressing room.
Both teams pressed and neither gave an inch with lots of exceptional long stretch passes and tougher defensive plays in each zone.
Captain Wideski seemed to take control of the squad both on and off the ice and in the end leading by example, which in some cases was needed.
Grandview pressed and firing on all cylinders narrowly missing, but Delta stayed true to form fending off any and all attacking players.
Both teams had called a T/O and with over two minutes remaining Coach Aldo Bruno pulled his tender or tried to.
Each time Cole MacInnes tried to leave his net for the extra attacker, Delta foiled the move by sending the puck deep forcing MacInnes to retreat between the pipes.
This happened more than one occasion and one could sense the frustration level of the Steelers, with some chippy play looming behind the play, with the officials keeping a close eye on the situation.
Captain “Q” or Quinten Wideski took the puck from a scramble between the hash-marks and sailed one the length of the ice sealing 5-3 win for Delta tying the series at two.
Prior to the goal, Delta had three chances sending the puck the length of the ice, narrowly missing the empty net, leaving the end result for the Captain.
It was interesting that in the early part of the second Grandview was outshooting Delta 16-8, but the Ice Hawks quickly turned the table and outshoot Grandview 35-29 through three.
Both teams obviously require work on the special team unit of the PP as Grandview was 0-5 while they were stingy giving Delta only one chance, which failed to see them take advantage of.
Game Stars:
- Quinten Wideski (Delta)
- Ian Prevost (Grandview)
- Jordan Deymenjian (Delta)
Note:
This win has Delta host game six of the series Tuesday March 15th at the Ladner Leisure Centre with the face-off set for 7:30 pm
Delta Ice Hawks are offering for minor hockey players, which should include any and all sports free admission to the game if you wear your jersey.
Let’s pack the rink for game 6 on home ice!!!!