Oct 23, 2023 | Mackenzie | 851 views
Applekings fall 6-0 to Minto
Though the game started close with both teams exchanging chances through the first 30 minutes, Minto came out stronger in the 3rd and finished the game with a win.
The first 20 minutes was as fast and skilled a senior hockey period we have seen. Both teams were forechecking, backchecking and defending well but also getting some quality chances on each goalie. #33 Allan Menary came away with a few good stops, as did Minto goalie Dan Dekoening. The Applekings did have more Power Play time in the first period but were unable to come away with anything to show for it, despite the shot advantage.
Both teams continued strong coming out of the intermission but it was Minto's Riley Cribben who found the net first 4 minutes in on a Power Play goal that Menary had no chance on. Play continued to be fast paced with both teams exchanging chances before Minto broke through again with a goal from Blair Butchart. Fleming and Good went in on a shorthanded 2-on-0 with 7 minutes remaining, they made a nice move and pass but Dekoening stretched over and made a huge save. At this point, Minto took over the game. Menary came up with some huge saves in the last 5 minutes of the 2nd period that kept the Applekings in the game heading into the 3rd period. A few moments before the end of the 2nd, #23 Mike Redick took a headshot from Minto's Blake Nichol. Redick would leave the game and not return, while Nichol received a 5 and a game.
The Applekings were unable to get anything going on the 5 minute powerplay and seemed to lose a step after that. Menary did his best to keep the boys in it, but the game got away from the Applekings as Minto scored 4 more throughout the period on goals from Rob Grant (2), Caleb Warren and Brendan Clayton. Dan Dekoening earned the shutout for Minto and played very well in the win. Menary played well in the loss and held the boys close.
The Applekings play next on Friday, October 27th, 2023 at 8:30 PM in Durham, against the Thundercats. Jamie Wise will make his Applekings debut in this game!!