Jr. B Lions still looking for a win
MORRISBURG – Despite being in every game and having the opportunity to rack up some marks in the win column, the Morrisburg Junior B Lions are still looking for that elusive first victory.
Five games into the regular season, the Lions have just one point for a tie against the Char-Lan Rebels. This past weekend, they were in Winchester, Friday night, where they lost a close one to the St. Lawrence Division’s first place Winchester Hawks, 3-2. Then Saturday night, on home ice, they gave it up to the Alexandria Glens, 8-6, after holding a 4-1 advantage early in the second period.
“Friday night in Winchester, was an excellent hockey game,” said Lions general manager, Kevin Casselman. “It was a great game. We had plenty of opportunities to have won it. The boys worked really hard and played with discipline.”
“Although we lost, we were pleased with the work ethic. If we continue like this, good things will happen.”
The Hawks went up 1-0 at 12:43 of the first period on an Austin Rothe goal. Just 1:28 into the second period, Wyatt Coghill made it 2-0.
The Lions got one back at 2:10 of the second from Christian Leger (Brandon Mullin and Dallas Blacksmith), and that’s how it stayed until 17:24 when Shawn Simms pushed it to 3-1.
At 7:29 Peter Ketcheson scored, unassisted, while the Lions were short-handed, but that was it. The Hawks held on for the 3-2 win.
Brandon Lowry was in the Hawks net for the win, and John Gilmer handled the loss. The Hawks had 36 shots on net, while the Lions answered with 32.
A total of 60 minutes in penalties were handed out. The Lions sat out four minors and one 10 minute misconduct, while the Hawks were nabbed for six minors and three, 10-minute misconducts.
Saturday night in Morrisburg, there was a big offensive assault from both sides with the Glens recovering from a 4-1 deficit early in the second period to skate to an 8-6 win.
“Hopefully, we learned something from the game,” said Casselman. “That being, a lead, any lead can disappear quickly when you get off the game plan and revert back to playing as individuals and playing without discipline.”
“We took too many undisciplined penalties, and the Glens took advantage and gained the momentum.”
“We did re-group and tied the game in the third (6-6 tie at 10:02).”
Bradley Gabbour put the Glens on the scoreboard at 13:15 of the first period. After that, the Lions took over starting with a goal from Brandon Mullin.
Two power play goals, from Dan Fyckes and Eric Evans, gave the Lions a 3-1 advantage heading into the second period.
Isaac Brownlee put them up 4-1, just 3:21 into the second.
Former Lion, Michel Lefebvre started the Glens’ comeback when he beat Lions goaltender Brandon Chilton at 7:05. Glens’ goals followed from Yan Belec at 11:08, Simon Besner at 15:21 on the Glens power play (tied it 4-4) and T.J. Burns at 15:59.
Early in the third, Brandon Barillaro made it 6-4 for the Glens.
The Lions got back into it with quick goals from Eric Evans 9:19 and Alex Kidd 10:02 to even the playing field at 6-6.
But they couldn’t keep it going.
Bradley Gabbour counted what would be the winner for the Glens at 14:06, and Charlie McKoewn added the insurance just over a minute later.
“We have a young club and emotions and adrenaline can rise quickly,” said Casselman. “Every game is a learning curve for these young players. The season is still young, and we aren’t panicking. We had the opportunity to earn four points on the weekend.”
Brandon Chilton was in the Lions net for the loss while Pat Nadeau picked up the win for the Glens. The Lions were out shot 42-27. Ninety-six minutes in penalties were assessed. The Glens were successful in two out of eight power play opportunities while the Lions scored twice on their power play in four opportunities.
Coming up Saturday, October 5, the Lions are on the road to Char-Lan for an 8 p.m. match. Sunday, October 6, they are at home to the Casselman Vikings. Game time is 2:30 p.m.
The Vikings are in second place in the St. Lawrence Division, one point behind the first place Hawks.