On a bright and sunny Saturday, the thermometer read 72 degrees Fahrenheit as the U11 Hurricanes travelled to face the Buffalo Regals at the Twin Rinks in Cheektowaga.
The boys were excited to play league games across the border for the first time in their AAA careers while the parents looked forward to wings at Duffs, garlic bread at the Olive Garden, chicken sandwiches with 2 pickles at Chick-fil-a and time to visit "Tar-zhay" for some shopping between a double header on the ice.
Game 1 began with the puck drop just before 3:00 PM. By the end of the first period, the Hurricanes held a slim lead of 1-0 while both sides were called for a penalty each up to that point in the game. Halton found their groove during the middle period, going on the power play twice and finding the Buffalo net 4 more times to take a 5-0 lead heading into the third. Parents too were feeling more at home noticing Labatt Blue on the menu at the "casse croûte" (or "snackbar" for the Anglos among us). During the 3rd period, the tables would turn for penalty calls as the boys played short handed twice but still went on to win the period by 2 goals to 1 making the final 7-1 on the scoreboard.
Final score: 7-1 Hurricanes Win
Total Shots: 28-15 for Halton
Game 2 was set for 6:15pm after a 3-hour break and would prove to be a more physical affair with numerous battles along the boards. Tighter defence, some timely saves and a trio of penalty kills (one being a 3-on-5 for 56 seconds) by Halton kept the game close. By the end of the second period, the Hurricanes had enjoyed two power play opportunities of their own and would take a 3-0 lead into the final frame. With 2 more Buffalo penalties in the third, the Hurricanes had momentum on their side and a couple more goals in their sticks as they would wrap up their road trip with a second win for the day.
Final score: 5-1 Hurricanes complete the sweep
Total Shots: 30-13 for Halton
With games 5 and 6 of the season now in the books, the U11 team looks forward to their next match up on Wednesday October 26 against the newly renamed Credit River Capitals back on home ice at Sherwood Arena.