Novice Rep Rams started the New Year with a bang as they traveled to Howick for the first game of 2009.
The host team was at a disadvantage, icing only seven players, but didn't let that keep them from putting up a good fight throughout the match. Corey Lewis managed to divide the warriors to score on a thrilling breakaway early in the first period. Lewis then earned a second point by chipping in a rebound from Alex Iles to end the period 2-0.
The Rams kept the pressure on in the Howick end and the visiting defenders were put to the test. Howick was able to penetrate the Dalton Harrison fortress by scoring midway through the period. Finally the Rams were able to pull the rubber back down to the Howick end and Riley Moore passed the puck out in front of the Howick crease for Nole Black to cash and advance the score 3-1 with 8.4 seconds remaining.
Harrison made a solid glove save early in the third frame to insure the delicate lead. This galvanized the Rams to initiate a scoring spree, starting with a goal by Corbin Peter who pushed the marker through a scrum - assisted by Luke Cowen and Jacob Reeves. Lewis then earned his hat trick on a solo run ending with a wrist shot on the glove side. Black then took a pass from Ryan Pacheco and carried it end to end then deke the Howick cager for a 6-1 count. The last goal came from Cowen who pushed through a scrum at the Howick net to earn a 7-1 final with 20 seconds on the clock.
MF at BRUSSELS
The Rams were hosted in Brussels for a make-up game on Jan. 9. The teams battled throughout the first period, which was a testament to the defense tactics of both teams. Finally Luke Cowen penetrated, receiving a pass from Corbin Peter from behind the net at the two minute mark. Dalton Harrison stood tall in net, frustrating the Brussels forwards.
The second chapter saw Brussels get on the board following scramble in front Harrison's crease and then pull ahead two minutes later. With urging from Coach Ian Francis, the Rams surged ahead, putting together a four on none breakaway, but couldn't get past the Howick crease. Cory Lewis was outstanding in putting pressure on - providing rapid-fire action in the Howick end.
The final frame saw the Rams comeback in a serious way. Jacob Reeves took a pass from Peter to tie up the score, while Peter then received from Luke Cowen for a 3-2 count. Alex Iles executed brilliant rushing defense to deke two players and bulge the twine with a beautiful wrist shot. Riley Moore and Sam Bye were able to stop numerous Brussels advances to protect the Rams lead. Reeves then carried Cowen's pass to the Brussels end and scored with zinging pipe shot for a 5-2 count. Then it was the trio of Ryan Pacheco, Lewis and Nole Black who worked in combination to get the sixth marker, followed by Black's attack and Lewis' subsequent rebound midway through the period.
Elijah Menzies and Iles were a solid team in diffusing Brussels attacks as the hosts attempted to reclaim some of the goals. The Brussels fans were on their feet as their forward line closed in on Harrison, but the Ram cager was tight with his glove and frustrated the hosts. Cowen earned a point as he and Peter jammed and slammed around the net at the four minute mark. Lewis wrapped up the scoring thanks to passes from Black and Ryan Pacheco.
MF at MONKTON
Rams faced Wildcats when Mount Forest traveled to Monkton.
The Elma-Logan Wildcats struck first, but goalie Dalton Harrison was quick to rebound and made several solid saves. Before the end of the first, Corey Lewis received from Nole Black to tie things up.
The hosts then put up a strong defense in the second period shutting Mount Forest down repeatedly. Lewis dug in again, assisted by Black with a textbook pass in front of the net for 2-1 count. The Wildcats excelled in keeping their wingers in high floating position, ready to catch wide shots and rush into the Rams end. Jacob Reeves then scored on a thrilling three on one breakaway to end the period 3-1.
The third act saw the Wildcats reduce the margin and then pull ahead with three well placed goals. Reeves was able to tie things up, with help from Thomas Brown, before the time ran out and end the match with a 4-4 tie.