Shield Doubles Rattlers on Home Ice!

 

 

 

By Allyson Snelling

 

GRAVENHURST — The South Muskoka Shield scored twice as many goals as the Bradford Rattlers in home play on Saturday to record a solid 10-5 win at Gravenhurst Centennial Centre.

“We looked refreshed, energetic, and had a lot of jump,” said head coach Dallyn Telford. “We juggled the lines in hopes of sparking our enthusiasm and it seemed to work. Scoring was spread out among the lines, which is always a good sign.”

The Shield got an early jump on the Rattlers with three goals in the first five minutes of the game. Points were awarded to Anders Viklund, Brandon Luksa and Donny Danroth.

Forward Jon Adams added a fourth goal with eight minutes remaining.

However, according to Telford, South Muskoka made three glaring defensive mistakes in the opening period and the Rattlers capitalized on each of them to put the score at 4-3.

“After that, we settled down and played very well for the duration of the game,” said Telford.

Bradford was quick to tie the score at four-all midway through the second period, but South Muskoka also showed its offensive calibre as Danroth potted his second goal of the game and Dylan Sontag found the back of the net before the end of the frame to bring the tally to 6-4.

Third period action saw a strong Shield contingent and outstanding support from goalie Rob Sutherland who turned away seven of the eight shots put on him in the final frame.

Shield forward Jericho Buwalda scored at 3:20, assisted by Greg Gardiner and Ryan Miller. Four minutes later, Ronnie George found the back of the net, assisted by Adams and Anthony Gambacorta.

The Shield increased its lead to 9-4 when Sontag scored on the power play, assisted by Adam MacBeth and Danroth.

Bradford fought back, but could only tally one goal with six minutes remaining.

The Shield’s James Cook added some insurance with help from Erik MacPherson for a final score of 10-5.

“Even though we allowed five goals, I thought we played fairly well offensively,” said Telford. “Bradford has very skilled offensive players and we talked about limiting their chances and containing them in the neutral zone. We executed this very well as I thought we dominated the neutral zone and forechecked great in their end.”

The Shield plays Bradford six times this season and so far has defeated them three times.

“With the next three games in Bradford, a slightly larger ice surface, we will have to be even better at controlling their offensive weapons should we wish to have success,” Telford added.

Up next for the Shield are two more games at home.

Players will suit up for Friday night action versus Powassan at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday at 2:30 p.m. against Deseronto. This will be the Deseronto Storm’s only trip to Gravenhurst this season.

 

Courtesy South Muskoka Shield