The Mapleton Minto 81’s ended their season with a three-game weekend.
First the team travelled to Shallow Lake to face the Crushers. Despite being shorthanded, the 81’s held on for a 5-4 win, thus securing fifth place in the standings (ahead of Ripley).
Goal scorers for the 81’s were John Thiel (2), Curtis Pinder, Matt McCann and Todd Norman.
Pinder, Norman and Adam Dejong added two assists each, while McCann added a single helper.
While the weather was stormy on Saturday, Ripley braved the elements and came to Palmerston to play the 81’s.
The adverse weather seemed to affect the home team more than the visitors, as Ripley brought a full squad on the bus while the 81’s were only able to get 11 skaters and two goalies to the rink. The Mapleton Minto players that did show up played very well in a 5-4 loss to Ripley.
Brett Nichol led the 81’s with two goals while Corey Allen and Abe Herbst added singles. Allen, Pinder, Matt Monks and Mike Fisher assisted on the 81’s goals.
Next the team travelled to Dundalk to end the season against the Shelburne Muskies. The Muskies needed to win this game to have a chance at third place in the north division standings.
The Muskies answered the bell early and often en route to a 12-0 victory over the 81’s.
The playoff picture for the 81’s remains unclear because Shelburne had a game remaining on Jan. 31 (results were not known by press time) and needed a victory over Lucknow to secure third place.
If Shelburne beats Lucknow, they will finish third and face Ripley, while the 81’s will face the Durham Thundercats.
If Shelburne loses, Durham will finish third and face Ripley while Shelburne will face the 81’s.
submitted by
Steven Routenburg
