Sharks pull rank on Admirals

By Greg Coulter

In a run and gun wild affair, the Wheatley Omstead Sharks narrowly escaped a third period letdown with a 6-5 overtime home ice victory last Wednesday night, Dec. 14, against the Amherstburg Admirals.

For the second home game in succession, the Sharks, with a territorial advantage in shots and offensive play, carried a commanding 4-2 lead after two periods only to see the visitors stage a late rally to send the match to overtime. Blake McNally, with an assist from Kyle Greene, secured the victory at 3:45 of the extra frame.

In addition to a 5540 shot advantage, the Sharks missed numerous “sure thing “open nets and failed to close out the game in regulation.

Despite five goals against, steady net minding by Ethan Handley allowed the Sharks to gain two valuable points. The locals appeared the take control of the game late in the first with two goals, only to see the visitors claw back time and time again.

Josh Chauvin and Sylvain Lessard potted two each, with Kyle Greene (one goal, one assist) and Blake McNally adding an assist to his overtime winner. Devin St. Pierre, Kyle Kelly, Braedon Caetano (two) and Colm Smith garnered assists.

Coach Josh Carnevale is pleased with the offensive team effort saying, “We’re getting shots to the net. The league seems to have a better balance this year, so we need to be ready every night to battle through all 60 minutes. We’ll have time to focus on some issues over the Christmas break and be ready for the new year.”

The Sharks close out December with two tough battles, a visit to Essex on December 20 and a return home tilt against Blenheim on December 21. January 4 is the first home game in the new year.

After pulling off a “how’s she doin’” on the defender, Kyle Greene is robbed on a split-second toe save by the Amherstburg netminder. Blake McNally and Devin St. Pierre charge the net only to see the puck slide to the corner. Sharks would secure a thrilling 6-5 overtime victory. SUN photo by Greg Coulter