THE 77\'S PLAY WELL BUT COME UP SHORT AGAINST THE LEAGUE LEADERS
February 12th, 2009 at 11:43PM November 30th, 2011 6:30PM
On Wednesday night the 77\'s hosted the South Muskoka Shield and proved more than a formidable foe for the league leaders from Gravenhurst. The 77\'s, wearing their home town whites, shut down league leading scorer Dylan Sontag in keeping him off of the scoresheet, however it was his linemate and the league\'s second leading scorer, Travis Saltz, that would provide the dagger on this night.
The home side jumped out to a quick first period lead as team leader Toby Kathan continued his current offensive prowess banking in a shot from behind the net off of a surprised Shield goaltender. The 77\'s played excellent defensive hockey for the entire first period holding the Shield to only 7 shots and very limited scoring chances, however the seventh shot with 41 seconds left in the opening frame is definitely one that goaltender Tyler Last would like to have back as a soft wrist shot from the blueline eluded him, slipping between his legs sending this game into the break tied at 1-1.
The second period was all Shield as they took a commanding three goal lead including an offensive miscue on a 77\'s powerplay that sent Saltz in all alone from his own blueline beating Last giving the Shield a 4-1 edge after two periods of play.
The third was a much different story as the 77\'s came out as an energized and excited team. Veteran forward, Scott Pybus, reduced the lead to 4-2 with his 12th of the year before 77\'s Captain Brent Belanger was able to bring the game to within one. The 77\'s were unable to notch the equalizer or pull this one out despite outshooting the Shield 37-21 in the face of a well played game from Shield goaltender Eric Pye.
The 77\'s have been playing very well of late and proving to themselves and everyone else that they are gearing up for the best part of the year.
The 77\'s next home game is this Saturday, February 14, as they host the visiting Elliot Lake Bobcats. The 77\'s would like to extend special invitation to all members of the Oro Minor Hockey in appreciation of their tremendous support this season. For Saturday night\'s game any Oro Minor Hockey player that wears their team jersey to the game will get in free. In addition, there will be some excellent prizes and giveaways on this night for all attendees so come on out and support your hometown 77\'s as they head into the playoffs. Puckdrop is 7pm.