The MBRP Major Midget Otters took to the ice over the
weekend to start their quarterfinal series against the Collingwood Blackhawks.
The Majors traded 3-2 wins with the Hawks, effectively turning the series into
a best 2-out-of-3 that will resume Saturday night in Huntsville.
The majority of Game 1 saw the Otters outplayed by the speedy Hawks. A weekend off following their series against South Muskoka did not appear to help the Majors, and they struggled to achieve any sustained time in Collingwood’s zone. Goaltender Josh Lawson was forced to turn in one of his best performances of the year to give his teammates a chance to get on the board first. Midway through the opening period Russell Jones managed to weave his way through the Hawks’ defense and beat the opposing goaltender over the shoulder to put Huntsville in front 1-0. Collingwood would later find an answer and solve Lawson to end the first period 1-1. Cam Aben and Connor White helped set up Ethan Murdy for the lone goal in the second period, sending Huntsville to the dressing room with a 2-1 lead.
Lawson would continue his stellar play in the third period as Collingwood pressed for an equalizer. With less than five minutes to play Blake Schmitz’s point shot found the back of the net to give Huntsville some desperately needed insurance. Kyler Campbell would collect the sole assist on Schmitz’s goal. The Hawks would answer with a goal of their own on the next shift, bringing the game back to within one. The extra attacker late in the game for Collingwood would prove no use, as the Otters were able to hold on for a 3-2 win.
Sunday afternoon the two teams were re-acquainted at the Eddie Bush Memorial in Collingwood. A penalty-filled game favoured neither team, but it would be the Hawks who claimed a 3-2 victory this time. Andrew Miller was great when called upon in net, stopping multiple breakaways in the third period to keep the game close. Ethan Murdy picked up where he left off in Game 1, scoring both of Huntsville’s goals in the loss. Cam Aben continued his strong play, chipping in the solitary assist on Huntsville’s side of the score sheet.
The series now moves back to Huntsville for Game 3, where the Otters will look to regroup following their first loss of the playoffs. Puck drop is scheduled for 5:10pm; good seats are still available.