On
Wednesday Jan 6th The Kelsey's Orillia North Central Minor Midget Predators put
their 10 game league play winning streak on the line when they travelled to
Richmond Hill to face off against the Richmond Hill Coyotes. The Coyotes
were victorious in the last meeting between the 2 teams when they battled each
other at the Marlies tournament with the Coyotes coming out on top.
The Predators came out strong looking to avenge the previous loss. The Predators were the first team to get on the board when halfway through the first period a quick shot beat the Coyotes netminder. The Predators had several more scoring chances to end the period but were turned away by some strong Richmond Hill goaltending. Very early in the second, North Central made the score 2-0 with some strong fore-checking creating a turnover that found its way into the Coyotes net. The Predators strong play continued throughout the period and North Central led by 5 at the end of the period. The 3rd period was similar to the second with North Central taking advantage of every scoring opportunity and by the time the final buzzer sounded North Central put four more pucks into the Richmond Hill net making the Final score North Central Predators 9 Richmond Hill Coyotes 0.
With the Kelsey's Orillia North Central Minor Midget Predators league win streak extended to 11 games the 
Predators faced the most difficult challenge in extending it to 12 games when they faced the league leading York Simcoe Express. The Saturday afternoon game took place at the North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Complex in Midland and drew a large crowd that was partial to the Predators. The Predators were energetic and finished every check to start the game. The fast paced first period had both teams getting several great scoring chances with only York Simcoe taking advantage. The score at the end of the period was North Central 0 York Simcoe 2. An early second period powerplay goal got the Predators on the board and narrowed the Express lead to 2-1. Late in the period York Simcoe scored a power-play goal to give them a 3-1 lead going into the third. York-Simoce took a 4-1 lead early in the third but North Central quickly replied and cut the Express lead to 2. Late in the period York Simcoe would score their second power play goal of the game and restore their 3 goal margin. Despite some last minute desperate scoring attempts by North Central the score would remain the same until the final buzzer with the York Simcoe Express defeating the North Central Predators by a score of 5-2.
The win by York Simcoe increased their points lead over the second place North Central Predators to 6 points with 4 games to play in league play. The North Central Predators will be looking to keep their hold on second place when they face-off against the 3rd place Barrie Colts on Monday Jan 18th at 8pm in the annual Start Talking Cup game. Be sure to ask any Predators player for tickets if you are interested in attending.
Written by Doug Sweeney