The Amherstburg Admirals took three of four points on the weekend but still have places where they look to improve.
The Admirals went to Lakeshore Friday night and went up against the defending Provincial Junior Hockey League’s (PJHL) Schmalz Cup champion Lakeshore Canadiens. The Admirals settled for a point in a 5-4 overtime loss, though there still was a bit of disappointment as Amherstburg had a 3-1 lead after one period and 4-2 lead after two periods.
Cory Leach, Jack Wycisk and Jake Goudreault scored in the first period for the Admirals, who outshot Lakeshore 23-11 over the first 20 minutes. The two teams traded goals in the second with Rory Sandison scoring for Amherstburg.
The Canadiens would tie it with two goals in the third period and Trevor Larue scored 3:32 into the seven-minute overtime to give Lakeshore the come-from-behind victory. Nicolas Rosati scored twice for Lakeshore while Eric Bisson and Marco Sladoje also scored for the Canadiens.
Goalie Jay Procter made 37 saves for the Admirals.
The Admirals returned to their home ice at the Libro Centre Saturday night and edged the Blenheim Blades 2-1, also in overtime. AP goalie Dominic De Zorzi stopped 31 of 32 shots for his first Jr. C victory.
Darby Drouillard opened the scoring in the second period to give Amherstburg a 1-0 lead but the Blades’ Brad McAlpine scored in the final minute of the period to tie it heading into the second intermission. After a scoreless third period, Sandison scored just before the buzzer went to give the Admirals the win.
Things weren’t all good for the Admirals after the win, as forward Dallas Kelly was injured in the post-game celebration and left the ice not being able to put any weight on his left leg. Cole Vaillancourt left the arena in similar fashion Friday night in Lakeshore.
Despite the win Saturday night, Admirals head coach Beau Hunter wasn’t pleased with his team’s effort.
“I’m not happy with the game,” said Hunter. “I didn’t think the guys came ready to play.”
Hunter acknowledged that it was the second game in two nights and the second game can be difficult, but he still wanted to see a better effort.
“I think we lost focus,” said Hunter. “We have to do a better job of getting off to a good start, especially at home.”
The Admirals have played a lot of hockey over the last couple of weeks with some hard practices in between, so Hunter said having a couple of days off will be good for his team. He thinks some down time will give them a chance to recharge.
Hunter said it is always good to get a point against a team like Lakeshore, but admitted it was “a little disappointing” that they couldn’t finish the Canadiens off last Friday.
“They are a great team,” he said. “You are always battling for your life.”
The Admirals will work on their defensive game this week, including positioning and winning defensive battles. They have two games this week, the first being in Dresden Friday night. The Admirals return home Saturday for a game versus Walpole Island. Both games this week are at 7:30 p.m.
Admirals take three of four points on the weekend
By Ron Giofu
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