Nov 05, 2023 | Mackenzie | 894 views
Applekings win 7-5 at Home Despite Shaky 2nd Period
Evan Buehler scores two on Saturday night in Thornbury to help take down his former team, the Milverton Four Wheel Drives.
Thornbury, ON - November 4, 2023
402 loud fans were in attendance as the Applekings came out victorious in a showdown against the Milverton Four Wheel Drives on Saturday, November 4.
The game kicked off with the Applekings displaying an impressive performance right from the start. With a relentless forecheck and strong defensive play, the Applekings dominated the 1st period. However, it was the Milverton Four Wheel Drives who managed to find the back of the net first, courtesy of a goal from Jeff Fritzley. The Applekings didn't let this setback deter them and quickly responded with a beautiful individual effort by Brody Cadeau, scoring his second goal of the season, with an assist from Jasper Akiwenzie. The Applekings continued their attack, with Dean Martin making a valiant individual effort, only to be denied by Drives' goalie Tyler Fassl. Shortly after, following an ensuing faceoff, Connor Long fired a seeing eye shot from the point, marking his first regular-season senior hockey goal, assisted by Kevin Shuttleworth. At the end of the 1st period, the shots on goal were 22-9 for the Applekings.
The 2nd period saw the Applekings maintaining their momentum, but they started to become complacent, deviating from the system that had initially placed them in the lead. Despite potting the first goal of the period with a Power Play goal from Jamie Wise, his second in as many games, assisted by Mackenzie Fleming and Mitchell Good, the home team started to falter. In just eight minutes, the Milverton Four Wheel Drives mounted a powerful comeback, scoring four goals, two of which came during power plays, with Mitch Boertien and Jeff Fritzley each contributing two goals. Jasper Akiwenzie managed to pull one back for the Applekings with only two minutes left in the period, with an assist from Reid Simmons. Shots during the 2nd period were 12-10 for the Applekings.
With a motivating talk from GM/Coach Darren Keily and Coach Dan Van Kleef between periods, the Applekings roared back to life in the 3rd period. Despite a period filled with penalties on both sides, the Applekings managed to tie the game with a power-play goal from Evan Buehler. Mackenzie Fleming scored his first goal of the season, assisted by Kevin Shuttleworth, during an eight-minute power play. Evan Buehler added an insurance goal with three minutes left on the clock, assisted by Brody Cadeau and Kevin Shuttleworth. The Applekings showcased solid defensive play in the closing minutes of the game, securing their well-deserved victory. Shots during the 3rd period heavily favored the Applekings, with a count of 15-5.
Allan Menary, guarding the net for the Applekings, made 19 crucial saves, contributing to the winning effort. The Applekings also dominated in the shots-on-goal category, outshooting the Drives 49 to 24 during the game.
The Applekings, now with a season record of 2-3-0, are excited for their next game on Sunday, November 12, which will be hosted in Lucknow. They aim to improve their record and reach the .500 mark for the season.
Thank you to the Georgian Shores Lightning Under 9 teams and coach Steve Burgess for playing a short game during the 1st intermission.
Cathi Parrish, Locations North 3 Stars of the Game:
1st Star: Brody Cadeau, 1 goal and 2 assists.
2nd Star: Evan Buehler, 2 goals
3rd Star: Kevin Shuttleworth, 3 assists