Spitfires Fly Through and Overcome the Storm in Comeback Fashion
Friday night hockey certainly did not disappoint this time around! The Spitfires headed to Guelph both with one win and one loss against each other on the season. Since the new year, both teams have performed relatively similar, leading most to believe it would be a fairly even matchup.
The first period was kicked off by an early Colton Smith goal at the 5:21 mark, only to be quickly rebutted by a Luchanko goal for Guelph making it 1-1. Jake Karabela would score soon after, making it 2-1, which would be the score for the remainder of the period. Throughout the first 20 minutes, we would see 8 minor penalties (5 to Windsor and 3 to Guelph). It seemed as if the referees’ whistles were non stop in effect, and it would continue to be that way all game.
In the 2nd period things only got worse for Windsor as Guelph’s Vilmer Alriksson scored two goals in 1:05 to put the storm up 4-1. Storm defenceman Rylan Singh would score his first OHL goal and extend the lead even further to 5-1. Windsor’s momentum continued to be nonexistent and more minor penalties were assessed to both teams in the frame. Late in the period however, Ryan Abraham scored a crucial goal to keep the Spits alive. Although they were down by 3 heading into the intermission, the momentum was slowly starting to shift.
The final period was underway and Windsor’s newfound momentum was used to quickly make the game 5-3 thanks to Anthony Cristoforo. Shortly after, Zhugin would score a beautiful goal which would have made it 5-4, however it was challenged by Guelph and called back. Just moments later, Storm player Thomas Budnick would surge down the ice and score making it 6-3. This back and forth action continued as Jack Nesbitt scored another Windsor power play goal, only to be then overshadowed by Jett Luchanko scoring his 2nd of the night.
The score was 7-4 with just over 5 minutes to play and the Spits needed an answer. Ryan Abraham who initially led the charge would pot Windsor’s 4th power play goal of the game making it a two goal game once again. The pressure was overwhelming was Guelph, and within the span of less than a minute, AJ Spellacy and Liam Greentree would score the crucial goals needed, and send this wild game into overtime! From there, Windsor controlled the puck the entire OT period. On a 2-on-1 chance, Carson Woodall rifled a shot glove side to beat the Guelph netminder and would complete the unbelievable comeback! What a game for the boys on the road, and a much deserved win!
