Admirals-73’s series tied at one
Amherstburg Admiral’s Dan Matoski scores in the third period in Game 2 of the GLJCHLC Finals. The Admirals won 2-1 and are now tied in the best-of-seven series with the Essex 73’s. PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN BOUCHARD
By Christian Bouchard
The Great Lakes Junior ‘C’ Hockey League Championship series between the Essex 73’s and Amherstburg Admirals is tied at one game apiece.
The 73’s scored five answered goals after trailing by two goals in the third period of Game 1 to secure a 9-6 victory and a one game advantage in the series.
“For us to score five unanswered goals to take Game 1, it took a lot of character to do that,” said the 73’s defenceman Matthew Rosati. “If we stick to our systems and keep shooting the goals will come.”
Although Essex stretched its playoff-winning streak to nine games, it suffered its first playoff loss to the Admirals Wednesday night.
The Admirals Captain, Luke Gangnon said Game 1 was just a bump in the road. The Windsor native said if his team continues to play their game and forget about the team on the other bench, the Admirals will be just fine.
The Admirals luck changed in Game 2 when Dan Matoski’s third period goal proved to be the difference.
“The atmosphere, roar and vibes around the arena were unfathomable,” said Matoski. “Once the puck went in my heart sank, it was absolutely incredible.”
The Admirals goalie Arren Romeril bounced back in Game 2. Romeril made 31 saves, impressing the opposition.
“We weren’t able to capitalize on the chances we had,” said 73’s forward and Amherstburg native Eric Shaw. “I tip my hat to Romeril on a good bounce back game.”
Moving forward in the series, 73’s forward Phil Janikowski said the team will need to continue being physical as well as tighten up the defence.
“Playing physically has been helping us out and getting some of the Admirals top guys to shy away from the physical play,” said Janikowski. “We just need to tighten up defensively on our defensive zone coverage.”
Brett Beattie, who scored in both games of the Championship round for Amherstburg said his team may be the underdogs but they are up for the fight.
“We came into this series expected to lose,” said Beattie. “We need to win each shift and continue to stay discipline. It’s not going to be an easy series, but I know we have what it takes and so do the boys.”
The series shifts back to Essex on March 7. Puck drop is 7:30 p.m.
Get Social!
