Ten games into the season and the Huntsville Otters still maintain a winning record but lost ground this weekend in their battle for second place with the Stayner Siskins.
The Otters were defeated on home ice by the Siskins Friday night 5-2. Stayner built up a 3-0 first period lead, outshooting Huntsville 16-4. Jake McIntyre scored a pair of goals for Huntsville, one in the second and another in the third, but it was too little too late.
Saturday night was a different story in Penetang. This time the Otters got off to a good start scoring twice in the first ten minutes of the game and went on to a 6-4 victory. Nathan Delarosbil scored two goals, and Jack Armstrong, Brody Tracey, Braedon Haigh and Curtis Ballantyne added singles.
The Otters actually trailed at the end of the first period 4-2 but came back and took the lead in the second period 5-4 and added the insurance goal in the third.
“After we stood back and watched Stayner control the puck for the first period, we discussed a couple of key points,” said coach Rocky Clarke. “In Penetang, we only had 14 skaters again because of a couple of injuries and suspensions.”
We completely fell apart during an eight minute span late in the first period and Penetang scored three goals in the last two minutes of the period. We had to regroup and this time they actually seemed to buy in and played the last two periods like they are capable of. It was a very satisfying road win, especially after they had beaten us at home the week before.Coach Rocky Clarke
The Otters now have a record of six wins and four losses for 12 points. They are two behind the Stayner Siskins who also have a game in hand and two ahead of Midland. Alliston is well out in front with 20 points after winning their first ten games.
“We are a work in progress,” explained coach Clarke who took over the Otters this year. “Over the last five periods, we have shown signs of buying into how I want them to play. I believe we are showing improvement in team play as opposed to individual play. Hopefully that will continue.”
The Otters are on the road for two games this weekend. They play in Midland against the Flyers Friday, October 21, and the Golden Hawks in Caledon Sunday, October 23. Their next home game is against the front-running Alliston Hornets on Friday, October 28.
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