Bantam Minors Weekend Report
The Clippers skated into the weekend facing two NEEHL league games.MassConn black came to Cromwell Saturday and jumped out to a 3-0 lead with just 19 seconds gone in the second period. The Bantam Minor team's inability to put the puck in the net continued from last weekend even though they had numerous chances in the first period, firing 12 shots at the MassConn netminder.
The scoring woes came to an end as Jamison Etting netted a goal 5 minutes into the second period to cut MassConn's lead to 3-1 with an assist going to Bruce Bedrick. Just 13 seconds later Sam Nassetta scored on an assist from Nick Kruczek and Scotty Bialczak to cut the lead to 3-2. The offensive fireworks continued as Jamison Etting scored on an assist from David Beisler with seven minutes left in the second to tie the score 3-3. The MassConn team was not quitting however and took a 4-3 lead to end the second period.
The third period saw the Clippers come out flying tieing the score 4-4 with a goal from Jamison Etting with assists going to Ross Burton and David Beisler. The Clippers took the lead 5-4 for the first time in the game with a goal from Bruce Bedrick on an assist from Ross Burton with 9 minutes left in the game.
Ross Burton scored an unassisted goal with 5 minutes left in the game on an outstanding indiividual effort that gave the Clippers a 6-4 lead. MassConn drew closer with a power play goal with 4 minutes left in the game. The Clippers solid defense and good goaltending by Trevor Hirst turned away the MassConn team and the Clippers had a hard fought 6-5 victory.
Sunday saw the Clippers travel to Tewksbury, Massachusetts to play the first place and undefeated NE Moose. Both teams came out flying with numerous offensive chances, but Scoyty Steele for the Clippers and the Moose goaltender were up to the task and the first period ended in a 0-0 tie. The second period saw more of the same until Ross Burton scored on an assist from Nick Kruczek 7 minutes into the period.
The Moose came back and scored on a power play goal a minute later to tie the score 1-1. The Moose struck again a minute later and took a 2-1 lead going into the third period. Both teams played well offensively and defensively during the third period but neither was able to score.
It should be noted that due to a shortage of players, Garret Ercolani, a defenseman, moved up to forward and played a solid two-way game for the Clippers. The entire team was up for this challenge and was by far their best "team" effort of the year.
Coach Burton stated that with hard work and effort like this the Clippers would certainly be a force in the league.
Article written by Paul Beisler.
ed. SpeedyGreen
