BETHEL 2 – LISTOWEL 1
Bethel used a first period powerplay to start to build an early lead. Tim Bauman and Kyle Martin worked the puck to Kevin Wellwood who tipped it into the net.
Bethel added another powerplay goal late in the period, when Tim Bauman and Caleb Bauman set up Matt Smith for the goal.
Listowel came back in the final minute with a five-on-three advantage. A scramble at the net created by Curtis Wagler resulted in Josh Shantz burying the puck behind a busy Derek Wideman.
Although Listowel pulled its goaltender for an extra skater in the final minute, Bethel held on to win. Bethel takes a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three ‘B’ Division Stelco Finals.
Listowel will try and stave off elimination in game two on March 24 at 9:30pm.
FLORADALE 6 – DRAYTON 4
Floradale opened the scoring early in the first. Brendan Jefferson grabbed a loose puck, skated down the right side and scored on a hard wrist shot.
Drayton tied it as Robyn Curry and Pat Landman got the puck on net and Mark Timmerman buried a rebound.
Floradale regained the lead with a powerplay goal. Ryan Martin and Brendan Jefferson teed up Josh Brohman who beat Kevin Ottens in net.
Floradale added another goal before the period ended. Gary Martin and Jefferson set up Javon Martin who rifled a slap shot for the goal.
Drayton came back with two quick goals in the final minute of the period to tie the game 3-3. Eric Deckers scored both by driving hard to the net. Herman Mulder set up both goals with Rob DeWeerd also assisting on the second one.
Floradale took the lead again late in the second period. Andrew Martin sent Dan Martin down the left boards. Martin centred a pass to Tim Freeman, who snapped off a quick wrist shot for the goal.
Drayton started the third period with a powerplay goal to tie the game yet again. Chad Reinders and Herman Mulder set up Deckers with an open corner. Deckers rang a shot into the top corner for the tying goal and a hat trick.
Floradale stormed back and took the lead one last time. Gary Martin carried the puck in along the left boards and sent a pass to Jefferson, who went into the corner and centred the puck to Javon Martin, who snapped it into the open corner.
With Drayton caught with too many men on the ice, Floradale added a powerplay goal to put the game away. With only seconds left, Tim Martin slipped the puck to Willis Martin, who blasted a high shot into the top corner.
The win gives Floradale a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five ‘A’ Division Nichols Finals.
Floradale will try to finish the sweep in game three on March 24 at 8pm.
submitted by Willard Metzger
