BETHEL 2 – LISTOWEL 1
Listowel struck first late in the opening period. A pass by Brad Gratz sent Phil Shantz in along the left side. Shantz went to the crease, pulled the puck back and slipped it into the far side corner.
Bethel opened the second period with the tying goal in the first minute.
A rising wrist shot by Tom Schuurmans beat the goaltenders glove for the goal, assisted by Laverne Metzger and Nathan Holland.
Bethel took the lead midway through the period. Tom Bearinger grabbed a loose puck deep in the right corner and snapped a shot on net. The puck bounced into the legs of the surprised net minder and rolled over the goal line for the winning goal.
The win gives Bethel a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three ‘B’ Division Stelco Cup finals.
FLORADALE 6 – DRAYTON 0
Floradale came into this game skating hard to the net and were rewarded with an early goal. Corey Wideman split the defence to walk in on net and slip the puck under the pads of the goaltender. Willis Martin and Javon Martin assisted.
Floradale added their second goal midway through the period. A scramble at the net ended with Javon Martin flicking the puck over a fallen goaltender. Greg Martin and Tim Martin drew assists.
Drayton pressed hard in the second period but a heads up pass by Ryan Weber sent Greg Martin down the ice with a break away rush.
Martin went to the net cut to his backhand and flipped the puck into the corner.
Floradale opened the third period with a power play goal. Javon and Nick Martin worked the puck deep and Greg Martin threaded a shot into the short side corner.
Floradale added another power play goal later in the third. Setup plays by Ryan and Gary Martin gave Josh Brohman the puck at the blue line.
Brohman rifled a slap shot to send the puck into the net.
Floradale added one final goal to put the game away. A slap shot by Ryan Martin sent the puck over the shoulder of the goaltender for the goal, assisted by Corey Wideman and Gary Martin.
Floradale outshot Drayton 42 to 19. Colin Horst earned his shut out in the Floradale net.
The win gives Floradale a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-five ‘A’ Division Nichols Trophy Finals.
Next week Floradale and Drayton will play at 8pm and Bethel at Listowel will face-off at 9:30pm.
Submitted by Willard Metzger
