Atom MADDOGS #1 ARE W.O.A.A. CHAMPIONS !!, News, Atom LL, 2011 - 2012 (Minto Minor Hockey Association)

This Team is part of the 2011 - 2012 season, which is not set as the current season.
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Apr 01, 2012 | Gord Jamieson | 2086 views
Atom MADDOGS #1 ARE W.O.A.A. CHAMPIONS !!
The Minto Atom LL #1 who finished in top spot during their league play were in tough against the other top teams from WOAA Atom Central Division. The round robin Playoff Schedule would see them play a home and home series against  Drayton,  Ayton and the Minto LL #2 Team to see who would represent Central Division in the Finals

The Maddogs playoff season would continue in the same vein as regular season play.  Most of the games saw them get off to a slow start from puck drop only to pick up the pace in the second and third periods.  The boys and girls played some excellent hockey and ended off Round robin play with a perfect 8 – 0 record and winning the Central Division.

The  Maddogs then faced with a home and home series against the Walkerton Capitals ( winner of the North Division ) and BCH Ice Dogs ( winner of the South Division ) to determine W.O.A.A. Local League Atom C Centre Champions.

The Maddogs final playoff run started on Saturday March 17 against BCH #1 Ice Dogs in Palmerston.  The Ice Dogs had a very strong regular season record with similar goals for and against record to the Maddogs.  All eyes were on the local Maddogs to see how they would respond in the first game.  The Ice Dogs came out flying and caught the Maddogs flat footed in their home rink.   The Ice Dogs got on the scoreboard early to take an early 1 - 0 lead in the game.  The Maddogs got rolling mid way through the first frame and began to push the play during the second frame.  Midway through the second, they were able to get one past the Ice Dog goaltender to tie the game up at a goal apiece.  Strong play continued for the second and third period with both teams generating excellent scoring chances but both goalies were up to the challenge. When the buzzer sounded to end the third period,  the score remained a 1 – 1 tie.   A ten minute Overtime period was next but no scoring did occur and the game ended in a 1 – 1- tie.

The Maddogs only had a day to reflect on their tie with the Ice Dogs as they were set to face off against the Walkerton Capitals the very next day.   The game was scheduled to start at 4:00 pm right after the first game of the Midget OMHA Finals against Lucan.  Like BCH,  the Walkerton Capitals had come off a good regular season and had defeated the top team from Hanover in their round robin playoff round. The area was a BUZZ as the Midget game went into overtime and ended a 3-3 tie.   The arena BUZZ and late start didn’t bother the Maddogs.  They came out and played a very strong game from puck drop to the sound of the final buzzer, defeating the Walkerton Capitals 3-0.

 

The Maddogs then headed off on the road to play their final two games.  Thursday March 22 at 7:00 pm in Clinton was the second game against the Ice Dogs.  A beautiful new Arena was built in Clinton during 2010 /2011.  The new facility with it’s roomy entrance way and foyer,  bigger ice surface with running / walking track around the top and spacious dressing rooms didn’t intimidate the Maddogs.  From the puck drop,  they skated hard and forced the Ice Dogs to play a very defensive game.   They owned the puck play along the boards and clogged up the centre ice area allowing the Ice Dogs few chances at passes or carry ins to the Maddogs end.  This was by far,  the best game played by all players all year and they totally dominated the Ice Dogs.  When the buzzer sounded to end the third period,  Minto had racked up 7 goals to defeat the Ice Dogs 7 – 0 in their rink.

The final game against Walkerton was delayed and rescheduled a couple of times.  Finally all was set for Wednesday March 28 in Walkerton.  Both Teams were missing some key players and sickness had struck a couple of the Maddogs who were not 100% at game time.  The Maddogs persevered and put forth a strong effort and defeated the Walkerton Capitals in their arena 6 – 4, ending their playoff run with a 3 – 0 – 1 record and capturing the W.O.A.A.  “ C Local League “  Championship.  

 

Congrats Minto Maddogs on your Terrific Season and winning the W.O.A.A. Title for the Second Year in a row !!!!