PALMERSTON – The Minto 81’s took on some hungry Wolves last weekend in the first two games of the WOAA Sr. AA semi-finals, with Ripley taking a big bite out of the Trains.
On Saturday night, Minto travelled to Ripley for game one of the best-of-seven series.
The first period was evenly played, with neither team scoring. The tables quickly turned as the second period came around and Ripley scored four goals, a few of which were with the man advantage. The third period was much the same, with Ripley scoring two more on their way to a 6-0 victory.
Despite losing by a wide margin, a great effort was put forward by the 81’s, with goalie Marc Williams deserving credit for a standout performance.
Game two of the series was played on Sunday night in Palmerston, with Minto looking to even up the series at a game apiece.
Fans witnessed a great game in Sunday night.
The first 12 minutes of the first were scoreless. Minto’s Tommy Hoogaars snuck the puck by the Wolves goalie with eight minutes to play, but Ripley quickly responded to tie the game. With just over a minute left of play in the first, Minto scored again but Ripley wasn’t going to let a lead happen for the 81’s and scored in the final minute to once again tie the game.
There was no scoring in the second period.
Ripley scored twice in the third period. In the dying minutes of the period, Minto’s Shawn Lantz scored to get the Trains within one, but that was as close at they would get, as Ripley took Game 2 by a score of 4-3 and a 2-0 series lead.
Ben Nelson was between the pipes for the 81’s on Sunday, playing solidly despite the loss.
The 81’s look to get back into the series on Saturday night (March 7) when they travel to Ripley for game three of the best-of-seven series.
Puck drop for game four is scheduled for 7pm on March 10 at 8:30pm.in Palmerston.
