Flyers lose heartbreaker, thump Rockets

By C. Scott Holland

Having not played for two weeks, the Leamington Flyers lost a tough battle to their inter-county rival, the LaSalle Vipers, on Thursday, January 5.

The Flyers had a 3-2 lead heading into the game’s final minutes but surrendered the tying goal and then lost in 4-3 in overtime.

On Saturday night it was as if the team had taken a miraculous remedy as their stingy defense helped them dominate the Strathroy Rockets 8-2.

Flyers head coach Dale Mitchell said post-game Thursday, “Honesty I think we played pretty good. We haven’t played an actual game in over two weeks. We generated a lot of chances, and hats off to their goalie (Ian Michelone) who made some big saves at key times. We had 27 ‘grade A’ chances but only converted on three. We got to shake the rust off and now can look forward to another streak.”

In Thursday’s opening five minutes both teams played rather evenly but it was the Vipers who struck first as Nicholas Graniero potted a goal from Walcarius’ left side. The Flyers finally slipped a puck past Michelone at 14:46 while on a powerplay. Ryan MacPherson laid the groundwork for brother Connor MacPherson whose shot was stopped before Trevor LaRue jammed the puck into the Vipers’ net and evened the score.

The Flyers enjoyed two consecutive powerplay opportunities — one at the end of the first and another at the start of the middle stanza.

While they didn’t score during the first one, it took them only 12 seconds into the second one to beat Michelone. Anthony Ciaramitaro and LaRue hooked passes with Owen Holmes, who rifled a shot that found the Vipers’ net and the Flyers had a precious 2-1 lead.

The Vipers countered with their own powerplay marker at 11:43, just seconds after Koen Taves was given a tripping penalty. Brady Hamlin launched a screen shot from the top of slot that eluded Walcarius.

The third period was calm penalty-wise, with the Flyers picking up the lone penalty. Leamington grabbed a 3-2 lead at 4:01 when LaRue found Griffin Grundner, who ripped a shot at Michelone with Bryce Scarlett waiting on the doorstep to pounce on the rebound.

Throughout the remainder of the third, the Vipers put immense pressure on the Flyers’ defense and Walcarius, finally tying it up on a Spencer Lecot shot at 17:38.

While the Flyers had puck possession for most of the overtime, they could only muster three shots on Michelone. The game ended when the Vipers’ Nicholas Graniero blasted a long shot from the left wing that Walcarius did not snare.

On Saturday in Strathroy, it was a close contest for the first period before the Flyers’ netted six goals in the middle frame to roll to an 8-2 decision. Flyers’ starter Boe Piroski handled 33 shots, while his teammates put 39 on two Rockets’ goalies.

Leading the scoring parade was Billy Van Sumeren, who planted four goals along with linemate Cody Brekke who helped by scoring one. Connor MacPherson fired two and Owen Holmes added one to complete the dominate performance.

Next home game is Thurs. Jan. 12 vs Chatham Maroons at 7:10 pm.

Flyers’ goaltender Bryce Walcarius (centre) was named the GOJHL’s goaltender of the month for December and received his award - a gift certificate from Collins Clothiers. During the month he was 4-0 with a 1.75 goals against average and a 91.6 save percentage. Here, GOJHL Director of Hockey Operations Tim Simmons (left) and Flyers’ GM Justin Solcz (right) congratulate Walcarius.