3 wins send Coyotes to Game 6

Game 3 in Port Elgin Feb. 16

It was like a light switch turned on with only two minutes left in the first period in Port Elgin. Down 4-0, Barrie’s JD Falconer sent what looked like a harmless short toward the Winterhawks’ net from the point and somehow it found the back of the net. Falconer’s marker was followed by yet another goal by workhorse Ben Hughes who was on his way to a five-point night on borrowed skates no less. A shorthanded goal by Nick Sammons (aka Sammy) tied the game up followed by the game winner by Creemore’s own Kyle Linney. Hughes sealed the deal with an empty netter with 33 seconds left in the game. Big win for the Yotes as it marks the first time that they have beaten the Winterhawks in regulation play in the playoffs. “We beat them twice last year,” says GM Tom Macham, “but both games went into overtime.”

Game 4 in Creemore Feb. 17

Saturday saw the Valley Varmints return to familiar territory in their home rink and coming away with a 3-1 victory. A scoreless first period but things got going in the second with JD Falconer lighting the lamp with one of his patented snap shots. “This guy has an unbelievable quick release,” says Macham, “most goalies aren’t set yet and its already halfway to the net.” Jordan Taylor with the GWG with Owen King adding an insurance marker in the third.

Shoot the puck winner: Maesin Landridge – $20 Home Hardware gift card

50/50 winner: unclaimed ticket #60752052 $360.

Stockyards prize pack: Jason Young Attendance: 240

Game 5 in Shelburne Feb. 18

Sunday morning broke to a very blustery winters day.

“Saugeen made the trip from Port Elgin which I give them credit for says Macham. County Road 124 had to be on the verge of being closed. Hosting a “home game” in a neutral rink is a very strange thing to have to do. Clearview Township was unable to free up a three-hour time slot in either Stayner or Creemore.

“We took the visitors bench and dressing room so at least it was familiar territory to the team. I put on my sports psychology hat to come up with that idea,” says Macham.

Final score, in a very chippy game, was 5-2 for Creemore. Scoring for Creemore were Kris Dobinson (Dobbie), Ben Hughes with a pair including the game winner and Falconer in the third on a beautiful set up from Dobinson. Farmer Robertson added an empty-netter to seal the deal. And as usual, Orangeville’s Mason Kameka standing tall in the net stopping on average 40 plus shots per game – Attendance: 162.

Game 6 is in Port Elgin on Feb. 23 with puck drop at 8:30 p.m. The bus will be leaving Creemore arena parking lot at 5:30 p.m. Fans are welcome.

Game 7, if necessary, will be back in Creemore on Feb. 24 with the usual 7:30 p.m. puck drop.

See you at the rink.