Dec 04, 2019 | jdisher | 343 views
Tigers Narrowly Defeat Flying Aces
In a stark contrast to their excellent performances this past weekend in Cobourg, the Welland 91.7 Giant FM/Country 89 Tigers put in a very languid effort against the visiting West Niagara Flying Aces, marginally edging them 4-3 in minor peewee A divisional play on Wednesday night in Welland.
The Tigers looked good at the onset with Jonah Bello scoring from Miller Miotto less than two minutes into the game but that effort was not to be sustained and West Niagara would tie the game just after the midpoint of the first period three minutes later when Carter Shaw recorded his first of two goals on the evening.
Henry Rumble would actually put the Aces into the lead with just under five minutes left in the second period, assisted by Owen Perks, before Colby Franchetti connected from Matteo Mete on a 2-on-0 breakaway two minutes later to even the score.
Carson McComber would push the Tigers ahead, assisted by Julian Belcastro, after another two minutes had elapsed and the Tigers would hold a tenuous 3-2 lead after two periods of play.
Mason Risto would provide some insurance with a tally from Miotto and McComber with under three minutes remaining in the game but West Niagara was not done and would tighten things up with Shaw's second with thirty-six seconds left to keep the game's outcome somewhat in doubt.
Although Welland improved to 14-0-2 with the victory, it was certainly a disappointing effort in many respects as the Aces looked like the better team for much of this contest. The Tigers looked nothing like the cohesive unit we saw this past weekend, nor the team that has scored 48 more goals and allowed 52 fewer than the Aces this season.
Welland did not get an opportunity with the man-advantage this evening but was successful in killing off the three penalties that they were assessed.
Carson McComber's strong positional play carried over from the tournament and he was awarded the coaches' player of the game honours with an honourable mention going to Jonah Bello.
Welland will look to turn in a much better effort on Saturday night when they travel to Glanbrook for a 6:10pm start against the Glancaster Bombers.