(submitted)
On Saturday, October 22 the Optimist Novice Shamrocks headed to Penetanguishine for their first of two regular season matchups against the Penetang Flames. The entire Shamrock bench had a renewed confidence this weekend after playing so well last weekend and making it to the semi finals in the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame Classic. That confidence beamed as the team took to their next challenge and came out ready to douse the Flames. Lewis Hergarden opened up the scoring late in the first period sneaking one into the net with a beauty backhand goal, assisted by line mate Rowan Buckland. Heading into the second period with the lead, Hergaarden was in the right place to receive a great pass from Mitchell Parrick and rush past the Flames defenceman ultimately scoring on the breakaway. The Flames answered back shortly after but the Shamrocks were not done as defenceman Luke Nelson and forward Rowan Buckland setup Lewis Hergaarden for his third goal. Leading 3-1 heading into the third the Flames were able to sneak a quick one past Shamrock goaltender Orion Cooper but his teammates Nathan Heimes, Michael Murphy and Mitchell Parrick would seek his revenge by each scoring a goal later in the third period to win the game 6-2. Points this game went to Lewis Hergaarden (3G), Nathan Heimes (1G), Michael Murphy (1G), Mitchell Parrick (1G, 1A), Riley Blower (2A), Rowan Buckland (2A), Luke Nelson (1A), T.J. Hergaarden (1A), Gavin Priaulx (1A).
The following afternoon the novices took on the Elmvale Coyotes at home at the BOCC. This game the team really brought their A game with everyone playing hard in the offensive zone. Trent Hodgson made a rush on a breakaway early in the first period but would be shut down by the Elmvale goaltender. Shortly after that, Ben Kearns was able to find the back of the net, giving the Shamrocks the 1-0 edge heading into the second period. The team would then have to go on the defensive with a man in the penalty box they would go on to score 2 shorthanded goals, one each by Lewis Hergaarden and Luke Nelson. Lucas Henry had several good fore checks causing turnovers leading to scoring chances. Nearing the end of the second Rowan Buckland would set up Ben Kearns for his second goal, which would quickly be returned by the Coyotes offence narrowing the score 4-1. With nearly 12 minutes left in the game, the Coyotes would take an interference penalty, their only penalty of the game, an opportunity that the Shamrocks would take advantage of with Riley Blower setting up Ben Kearns for his third “hat trick” goal of the game. The Shamrocks would close out the third period with a quick goal by Natham Heimes from Gavin Priaulx. The final score was 6-1 for the Optimist Club Novice Shamrocks. Points this game went to: Ben Kearns (3G), Nathan Heimes (1G, 1A), Lewis Hergaarden (1G, 1A), Luke Nelson (1G), Finn Gilbert (1A), Michael Murphy (1A), Riley Blower (1A), Gavin Priaulx (1A), Mitchell Parrick (1A), Rowan Buckland (1A).
A special shout goes out to goaltender Orion Cooper for a very strong weekend in front of the net! The diving glove save he made in the 3rd period against Elmvale has to be a top candidate for save of the year!
After beating Penetang in their own barn this past weekend, the Novices will welcome the Flames to their house at the BOCC for a re-match this coming Sunday, October 30th at 1:00pm