Oct 13, 2018 | Valerie Young | 659 views
Strong Showing on First Weekend
Athens made a strong showing on their first day of regular season league games, tying CCYHA - Gedman with 9 seconds to spare in the first game, and defeating them in the second game 6-2. This was in spite of having 8 players missing in Game #1 due to fall sports, and 6 players missing in Game 2.
Athens trailed for most of Game 1, having given up one goal with 10:55 remaining in the first period, and a second goal near then end of the second period. Patricia scored the first goal for Athens shortly after the third period opened, assisted by Owen and Jackson. Although the puck spent more time in CCYHA's end, the teams were very even on shots, Athens having 21 and CCYHA having 21. With just over a minute left in the game, down 2-1, Athens called a time out. Shortly after the faceoff in their own end, Athens was able to move the puck into CCYHA's zone, and goalie Ian skated to the bench to bring on a 6th skater. Athens briefly lost the puck, recovered, and Owen scored the tying goal, assisted by Jackson, with 9.2 seconds remaining in the third period.
After a long break, the two teams returned for Game 2 in the afternoon. Athens opened the scoring early, with Jackson at center winning the opening faceoff and passing back to John on defense, who took the puck to the CCYHA goal and scored, with only 9 seconds off the clock. Athens next goal came in the second period, by Finn, assisted by Luke and Jackson. Owen scored just after the third period opened, unassisted, and CCYHA tucked in their first goal 2 minutes later. Finn scored unassisted with 8:37 remaining in the third, and Luke tucked in a neat backhand assisted by Jackson with 7:40 remaining. This play earned Jackson a playmaker. Shortly thereafter, an otherwise clean game was marred by a CCYHA player swinging his stick like a baseball bat at the head of an Athens player from behind. The CCYHA player earned a 5 minute major and a game misconduct. Caden scored the sixth goal for Athens, assisted by Luke. CCYHA popped in their second goal from the back post with 3:24 to go in the game. Athens led the shooting in Game 2, 30 shots for Athens compared to 23 for CCYHA.
Both games for Athens were characterized by good passing, good support, and 100 % effort by all players. Athens will be on the ice October 13 for a scrimmage with the Desperados. Next league games November 11.