The Welland Mike Knapp Novice "A" Tigers advanced to the OMHA Championship Finals, after defeating the New Hamburg Huskies 5-1 in game 4 of their series this weekend. The Tigers won the Best 3 of 5 series after they won 3 of the first 4 games of the series.
The Tigers lost the opening game of the series 4-1, however rallied for 3 straight wins after that to win game 2 (2-1), game 3 (2-0) and game 4 (5-1).
The Tigers will now face off against the Southpoint Capitals in the OMHA Finals.
The Tigers traveled to New Hamburg for game 1 of the series. Both Welland and New Hamburg came out strong and traded early goals. The Tigers fell behind mid way through the game after New Hamburg scored on the Power Play.
The Tigers came out flat in the 3rd period and allowed 2 more Huskie goals, which would eventually lead to a 4-1 Welland loss.
The Tigers rebounded in game 2 at home. The Tigers jumped out to a 2-0 lead and played strong from the opening faceoff. New Hamburg did manage to get a fluky goal late in the second period but good defensive play and good goaltending solidified a 2-1 win, tying the series at 1 game each.
The Tigers traveled back to New Hamburg for game 3, which was the 3rd game in 3 days for both teams. Once again the Tigers came out strong and created several good scoring chances but were unable to beat the Huskie goaltender. The Tigers finally found an answer late in the 1st period with a late goal on a 3 on1 break. The Tigers carried their strong play into the 2nd period where they managed to build on their lead, with a nice individual effort, finished off with a slick breakaway goal. New Hamburg came on strong in the 3rd period but once again, the Tigers played amazing defensively, and managed to maintain the 2-0 score for the win, and the series lead.
The series was capped off on home ice, where the Tigers produced their best offensive game of the series. The Tigers spent majority of the first half of the game in the offensive zone, and also managed to capitalize on a few Power Plays in the second period. The Tigers managed to build a 4-1 lead heading into the 3rd and final period. The Tigers did not hold back, and although played strong defensively, managed to create several chances, scoring one more goal as a result, leading to a 5-1 final score and the series win.
The Tigers played their best hockey of the season, and all 17 players contributed in the series win. Welland received great goaltending from both goalies, rock solid defense from all 6 defensemen, and a potent offensive attack from all of their forwards.
Congratulations to the New Hamburg Huskies for making it to the Semi-Finals and playing some great hockey throughout the series.
The Welland coaching staff is once again extremely proud of the Tiger players for their efforts and amazing attitudes throughout the series.
Welland looks to finish their remarkable season with a win in the OMHA finals. Welland will take on a very strong Southpoint team, who advanced to the finals after beating the St. Thomas Stars 3 games to 2 in the other OMHA semi-Final series.
Good Luck Tigers!!!
Keep up the good work