What a way to start the season! After stuttering out of the gates with a 2-1-1 record in pool play, your Falcons persevered to pull off O/T win over Niagara Falls in the Final NSE Early Bird Tournament!
The Minor PeeWee AA Falcons entered the NSE Early Bird Tournament in St. Catharines with some healthy optimism. With a desire to show what they could do, the Falcons notched a 2-0 win over the Avalanche of Ancaster. Game 2 saw them up against a hot goalie from Clarington. Although they blasted 38 shots at the Clarington team, the puck would not go in. In a disappointing 2-1 loss, the Falcons retooled.
It was do or die in Thorold in what felt like an early Jr. B game between the Rankin Jr. B's and the Hawks of Thorold. The Falcons of St. Catharines vs. the Flyers of Niagara Falls. Both teams tried to take advantage of some big ice and opportunities. A tie or a win was a must to survive as the Falcons scored a late tying goal to do just that. The Falcons and Flyers would tie on the day 2-2. Stoney Creek was next up and it was again, do or die. Only a win would suffice. The Falcons confidently found their rhythm in a 5-2 win over the high flying Warriors.
After building some resiliency through the opening round, it was a re-match with Niagara Falls. The smaller ice of SP3 built some tension and tight checking. Both teams refused to be out matched over the regular time frame. The Falcons put their plan together with Freel and Johnson adding Heyes at the helm. Just 20 seconds into the OT 3 on 3 found Freel take a run up the bench side boards, over the blue line with a patented lean into the defender. With Heyes as the comfortable man staying at the top of the circles Johnson followed Freels lead only to take a sharp left to the front of the net. With nobody following the Johnson Train, everything slowed down. Freel backhanded a beauty to Johnson and he put it away. The Falcons won a hard fought Championship learning much along the way. Good work boys and on to Detroit in October!
