The Apsley Flames' and Bancroft Jets' playoff game was a back and forth showdown on Feb. 9th @ 3 pm. at the NHCC.
The scoreboard was sparked by the Flames first goal on a powerplay. Bierworth Readi-Mix Bantams fired up a ready reply as Hooey fed Armstrong to 'match' the Flames, 1-1. The game, with the Flames, got a little heated and Hunt was awarded a penalty shot but was turned away with a shoulder save. Stewart stoked the coals by procuring the puck, staying with it in hot pursuit, then fanning the flames to score for the Jets. Hunt and Stewart were more than a flash in the pan and scored another with a beauty give and go. The Flames returned some tinder to make it 3-2. Then, in the afterglow, Apsley tied the game at threes. Wilson's breakaway beat the goalie for a backhander to the back of the net, to end the first period 4-3. Simpson kindled the next hometown goal with a solid shot that provided the rebound for Armstrong's Jet goal 5-3.
The third period started with Jet fuel on the Flames as Armstrong sent the puck from behind the net to Boyd for the goal. Wildfire continued as Grant scored, from behind the net, as he flanked one off the darkside of the goaltender's skate 7-3. Apsley flared in their 4th goal. In the final minute of the game, Stewart would light one on the open net. Within ten seconds the same line would score the final two Jet goals; Boyd won the face off in Flames' territory, and fed Simspon who assisted Armstrong. Simpson would have the final word with the final goal against the Apsley Flames. Both goaltenders earned their keep with Apsley's making his best stops in the third period. Bancroft's goalie, Robinson's, best moves were to the rhythm of the playlist. A strength of the Flames was scoring soon into a power play, twice. Thanks to both teams for an entertaining game for the fans. Final score in favour of Bancroft.
Support these Bantams as they plan to corral the Campbellford Colts Sunday Feb. 16th, 3 pm, here at NHCC.