Sep 15, 2019 | jdisher | 391 views
Tigers Leave Nest Too Soon At Early Bird Tournament
Like any new high school band just starting out there were bound to be a few off-note keys struck by the Welland 91.7 GIANT FM/COUNTRY 89 Tigers during their first few performances as they learn the set list but their gig at this weekend's Garden City Early Bird Tournament certainly didn't get them booed off the stage.
The Tigers held late leads in three of their four round-robin games against some of the top teams in Ontario but had to settle for three ties and a loss in their opening weekend of competition.
Tanner Cutler scored twice and Colby Franchetti once as the Tigers opened the tournament with a 3-3 draw against the Halton Hills Thunder. Franchetti contributed two assists, with Mason Risto, Tyler Laszlo and Cutler also credited with helpers.
Franchetti, from Cutler, then recorded the lone goal in a 5-1 loss to the Greater London Jr. Mustangs (ranked 9th last season) to close off day one action.
Chace Buti (unassisted) scored his first goal as a Welland Tiger and Julian Belcastro (from Cutler, Risto) and Matteo Mete (from Jordan Wright, Jonah Bello) also found the back of the net as Welland skated to a 3-3 tie with the York Mills Rangers to begin day two.
In their matinee contest the Tigers came within 2:31 of shutting out the Barrie Colts but finished with a 1-1 stalemate. Franchetti scored the lone Welland goal assisted by Carson McComber and Cutler.
Welland is back in action this week with home-and-home exhibition games taking place against the Stoney Creek Warriors. Game time on Tuesday is 6pm at Valley Park Arena followed by Welland's first game on home ice at 7:20pm on Wednesday.