Oct 07, 2022 | Ryan Folk | 199 views
Opening Day for the U11 Halton Hurricanes
At 6:45pm this Wednesday October 5th, an excited group of players stepped onto the ice to officially begin the 2022-2023 hockey season.
Having recently competed in three solid exhibition games - with wins over Oakville and Hamilton and a tie versus the Markham Waxers - your U11 Halton Hurricanes skated through their new pre-game warm up routine across the ice from their wine country rivals the Niagara North Stars.
Donning white jerseys with double blue accents, the team crouched on hockey knees for the coach's pep talk as music was pumping and the hot chocolate was piping hot before the puck dropped in their home arena at Sherwood Community Centre.
The home side wouldn't take long to get on the scoreboard as a Hurricane defensemen made a quick rush up the right side to score the first goal of the new season during the second shift of the game. Both sides would trade chances and move the play from end to end through the neutral zone with the first period drawing to a close at 1-0 for Halton.
Throughout the second period, a clean game continued with few whistles from the men in stripes during the first 25 minutes of play. With 9:37 remaining on the clock, the visitors in black and gold tied the game thanks to a screened shot from the the edge of the right circle. Emboldened by finding the twine for the first time, Niagara continued to challenge in the offensive zone but were stymied by some strong defence. First, the defence stood in front of a shot from the slot and shortly after, another defensemen crouched to block a centering pass while defending a two-on-one rush before blocking another shot attempt moments later.
Early in the third period the 'Canes would play short handed for the first time in the game yet still managed the best chance between the two teams as a Hurricane forward made a strong move to the net yet both goalies continued to stonewall each shot they faced. With an opportunity to go on the powerplay themselves before the end of the game, the home team moved the puck well at times yet the score remained stuck on 1's. In a fitting end to what proved to be a defensive battle, Halton goalie made one last save with only 7 seconds remaining to seal the game and the tie.
Game #1 of the season ends with the score at 1-1 and anticipation for a great re-match when these two teams look to face off again on November 30th.