On new ice, the Gary Edgecombe CA Peewee Rep Coyotes won their
home opener 4-2 against the Wasaga Stars on Friday, October 18. Two
days later, they lost in Wasaga 6-3.
Game one saw goalie William McDowell start his first regular
season game. The Stars snuck in an early goal while the Coyotes were
still adjusting to being on skates after a two week fall fair hiatus.
Five minutes in and better organized, the Coyotes line of Jack Nell,
Jason Priest, and Carter Crowder responded with pretty goal scored
from in close.
In the second, the Coyotes scored early to take the lead, but the Stars took advantage of a four minute power play to even the score not long after.
The third period belonged to the Coyotes. Two unanswered goals, confident net minding, and solid defense led to a final 4-2 victory.
Two days later in the Stars rink, the result was less satisfying. This time with Adam McIntaggart between the pipes, the Wasaga Stars once again found the back of the net early. The Elmvale Coyotes brushed it off and played a defensive first period, scoring a tying goal with only five seconds left.
The second period saw the Nell, Priest, and Crowder line score early. Penalty trouble ensued for both teams, but the line of Henry King, Jake Bouzis, and Ethan Faris, with some strong back checking, expanded the lead to 3-1 for the Coyotes. Before the period ended, the Stars took advantage of a loose puck in the crease and made it 3-2.
The Stars, not wanting to lose at home, picked up the pace in the third. Penalty trouble continued for the Coyotes and the Stars took advantage. Four unanswered goals followed to end the game in a 6-3 loss for the Coyotes. On the upside, the penalty kill plan worked fairly well.
There is lots for this Coyote team to work on, but their foundation is strong. They will next see action on November 1, in a Peewee Rep Tournament in Huntsville, an event the boys look forward to for games, fun, and bonding.