Mar 16, 2015 | PaulF | 1187 views
ETA Playoffs (Semi-Final) Game #2 vs. Kingston Jr. Frontenacs
The Best Western Mariposa Minor Bantam Predators were back on the ice on Sunday for game two of the best of three semi-final series in Kingston.
Both teams came of the gates looking hungry and ready to go for this pivotal game. The Preds looking to put away the Frontenacs and the Fronts trying to force game three which would see the Preds have to make the long return drive to Kingston for the decider on Wednesday. The play was very even throughout the first with the teams swapping chances but unable to get on the board. The first period ended tied at 0-0.
Ben Schreyer kept up his hot scoring touch, beating the Kingston goalie early in the second. This seemed to wake up the Fronts as they took the game hard to the boys with only some spectacular saves from Brandon Small keeping the Preds in the lead. The more shots Kingston took, the stronger Brandon seemed to play as he kept them off the board through the second and into the intermission.
Whatever the coaches said to the boys in the break seemed to work as the Preds regained their composure in the third. Playing the controlled, disciplined game that got them to this point, the Preds team defence tightend up down the stretch. What few chances the Fronts were able to muster were turned away by Brandon and cleared by the defence. Kingston had once last chance when they pulled their goalie late in the third but Daniel Frangione broke their hearts by firing one in the empty cage to give the Preds a 2-0 lead with less than a minute to play. To their credit, Kingston never gave up and were able to spoil Brandon's shutout with a goal in the dying seconds.
The 2-1 victory was the Preds fifth win and second series sweep in a row as they seem to be saving their best hockey of the year for the playoffs. Up next for the Preds is a berth in the ETA Final against the Central Ontario Wolves. That series is set to start at the MASK on March 21st at 3:45. If you are able to come out to the rink, the boys would love as much home town support as they can get!