I first need to address the tragedy from Thursday.  Ancaster’s captain, Luke Zupan, passed away in his sleep and was discovered very early Thursday morning.  Ancaster has cancelled both their games this weekend out of respect for the family and their team.  The Zupan family is asking for privacy at this time.  My condolences go out to both the Zupan’s and the Avalanche.

Now to the hockey.  We have a big weekend coming up fans.

Friday, September 18

Brantford vs. Brampton, 7:30 Victoria Park

In 3 games, Brantford is undefeated so far.  They beat Waterloo Thurs. night 3-0.  Brantford has scored 13 goals and allowed just 6.  So far, top scorers are Matthew Woods and Zander Pryor with 5 points each.

The Bombers loss both games at the Showcase last weekend.  Last Fri., they had a rough game against Thorold in a 4-2 loss.  In game, the team lost Lucas Toth for 2 games with a 5 min. major for check from behind early in the third period.  On Sun., Brampton played Sarnia, coming up short in a 5-3 loss.

Elmira vs. Listowel, 7:30 Listowel Memorial

Elmira split the weekend, losing 7-3 Sat. to St. Catharines, but defeating Lambton Shores 5-4 on Sunday.  Having a big weekend for the Sugar Kings was Ethan Skinner who scored 3 goals and 3 assists.  Goalie Mike Black played both games making 51 saves and allowing 11 goals.

Listowel also split the weekend, losing 7-2 to LaSalle on Sat., and beating Chatham 6-4 on Sunday.  In the game, Caleb Warren received a 4 game suspension for getting into a fight in the last 10 min. of regulation and receiving an instigator and aggressor in the fight.  He’s eligible to return on Sept. 27.  In Sun’s game, Ben Shelley had a big game with 3 goals, all on the power play.  Picking up the win in net was Tyler Fassl, who faced 32 shots.

Guelph vs. Stratford, 7:30 Allman Arena

The Hurricanes dropped a close game to Kitchener Thurs. night, losing 4-3.  Corson Searles had another big game with 1 goal and 1 assist.  Searles leads the team with 6 points, 4 goals and 2 assists.  Goalie Jason DaSilva has played 2 of the 3 games and is 0-2, with 44 saves and 9 goals against.

Stratford took on London last Fri. night, losing 4-3 in a very close contest.  The team had built up a 3-1 lead on goals from Tyson Baker, Cooper Stahl and Josh Higgins.  The Nationals fought back in the third period to steal the win from the Cullitons.  On Sun., the team played Pelham Panthers, defeating them 7-2.  Rookie Stahl finished the game with 2 goals and 1 assist.  Goalie Carson Poulin only saw 16 shots in the entire game.

LaSalle vs. St. Marys, 7:30 Pyramid Rec Centre

The Lincolns lost a close game to Brantford at the Showcase.  The team was tied with Brantford 5-5 going into the third period, only to lose 7-5.  Scoring the team’s 5 goals was Brent House, Tom McHenry (2), Ryan Martin, and Nick Whitworth.  On Sun., the team played Welland Canadians, losing another close battle 5-3.  Graham Brulotte scored 2 goals with Jared Lindsay scoring the other.

The Vipers defeated London 5-1 in their home opener Wed night.  Goals were scored by Michael Ruttinger, Blake Jones, Connor Rosaasen, Manny Silverio, and Jarrett Tazzman.  After 3 games, Rosaasen is the team’s leading scorer with 2 goals and 2 assists.  Connor Matton also has 4 points with 1 goal and 3 assists.

Leamington vs. St. Thomas, 7:30 Timken Centre

Leamington defeated Strathroy 5-1 Thurs. night.  Scoring for the Flyers was Mitchell Amante, Mark Gagnon (2), Jacob McGhee, and Joe Urbanic.  Gagnon is the team’s leading scorer with 7 points, 3 goals and 4 assists.  Goalie Michael Barrett has just 4 goals against on 47 shots.

The Stars took on Waterloo Siskins of the Midwest Conference, losing a close game 3-1.  On Sun., they defeated Fort Erie 4-2.  Scoring for the Stars was Andrew Chambers, Spencer Hutchinson, Carson Brookshaw, and Matt McJannet.  Goalie Dan Black picked up the win in net, turning aside 29 of 31 shots.

Saturday, September 19

Listowel vs. Cambridge, 7:00 Galt Arena Gardens

Cambridge had a rough weekend at the Showcase, dropping both games.  In the first game, they took on Leamington Flyers, losing 8-3.  In their second game, the Winter Hawks lost a close one 2-0 to Ancaster.

Brampton vs. Waterloo, 7:30 Waterloo Rec Centre

Waterloo is 1-2 in 3 games so far.  They lost 3-0 Thurs. night to Brantford.  The Siskins leading scorer is Connor Bodnar with 2 goals and 2 assists.  Goalie Mitchell Datz has played 2 games, going 1-1, and has 4 goals against on 47 shots.

Strathroy vs. Lambton Shores, 7:30 Shores Rec Centre

Strathroy had a rough time on Leamington’s large ice.  The young Rockets couldn’t quite find their place on the Olympic size ice and lost 5-1.  In 3 games, the team has only scored 3 goals, Riley O’Connell with 2 and Matt Laberge with 1.

The Predators spoiled Sarnia’s home opener with a 3-2 win.  Goals were from Colin Burns, Ethan Sarfati, and Andrew Kim.  Sarfati leads the teams with points, 4 goals and 2 assists.  Second year goalie Anthony Hurtubise has played all 3 games, making 95 saves and allowing 12 goals against.

Sunday, September 20

Cambridge vs. Waterloo, 1:30 Waterloo Rec Centre

Guelph vs. Elmira, 2:00 Dan Snyder Arena

Stratford vs. Kitchener, 3:30 Kitchener Auditorium

Leamington vs. Chatham, 7:00 Chatham Memorial

Chatham lost both games at the Showcase.  On Sat., they took on Niagara Falls, losing 3-2.  Goals were scored by Ian Faubert and Logan Percy.  On Sun., they dropped a 6-4 decision to Listowel.  Faubert scored a hattrick with Brayden Hopkins scoring the other goal.  Goalies Colin Lauzon and Parker Butler split the games.

St. Marys vs. St. Thomas, 7:30 Timken Centre

 

So that’s 13 games this weekend.  I know I’m going to at least 2 games, possibly a third on Sun., I’m not sure yet.

 

Photo Credit: Brantford Expositor