The weather played havoc with sports schedules, but the Valley Major Midget Wildcats were finally able to play game three of their NSMMHL playoff series against the Canadian Tire Mustangs on Feb. 10 in Bridgewater.
The Mustangs might well have preferred it if the game hadn’t happened after all, as they ended up on the short end of a 10-0 decision on home ice.
The lopsided victory gave the Wildcats a 3-0 stranglehold on the series entering game four this past Tuesday, Feb. 12 in Bridgewater.
Game three was originally scheduled for Saturday evening, Feb. 9 and game four for Sunday afternoon, Feb. 10, but that schedule fell victim to the weekend storm.
Once the game did take place, the Wildcats dominated, taking a 3-0 lead after one period and extending it to 8-0 after 40 minutes. The final shots on goal – 59-15 in Valley’s favour – were indicative of the edge in play.
Nick Blanchard led the way offensively with a hat trick, with two of the goals, both in the first period, scored on the power play. Blanchard’s second goal came with just one second remaining in the opening period.
Team captain Rory Graham added a pair of goals, and Steven Brooker, Brett Tidman, Duncan McKie and John Deacon had a goal and an assist. Michael Dill had the other goal, while Jacob McNutt, Grant Janes and Makail Parker each collected two assists.
Justin Ritcey ended up with one of his easier shutouts, facing just the 15 shots. Cole Skinner and Colby Muise shared the goaltending duties for the Mustangs, with Skinner allowing six goals (in 48 shots) and Muise four.
