SIX NATIONS – The defending Minto Cup Arrows Express had little trouble against the St. Catharines Athletics Sunday night at the ILA, defeating the A’s 17-6, and even that score was flattering to the visitors.
The Athletics are experiencing a rebuild and the usually powerful St Catharines squad is become a shadow of what the league and the Arrows are used to. The win extends the Arrows record this season to 8-1-0 for 16 points and a solid hold over first place with Orangeville in second, three points behind.
It was over by the end of the first period as starter Doug Jamieson held the fort while the Arrows offense took complete control of the first period, 7-0.
Haodais Maracle and Derek Thomas made it 9-0 early in the second period, and with a nine goal big cushion, coach Patrick Merrill put rookie Keaton Dale in the rest of the way. Dale looked shaky at first allowing two goals in his first five shots, but gained in confidence as the nerves settled down.
The Arrows offence continued to pick apart the Athletics defense ending the second period, which ended with the Arrows ahead 11-2.
Charlie Sheehan added St. Kitts’ third goal only 9 seconds into the third period.
Dylan Riley and Jordan Durston answered quickly at 39 seconds and 1:27 respectively.
The Athletics got a breath of second wind and scored three straight on Dale before Jeremy Bomberry, playing in only his second game as an Arrow, scored back-to-back goals to made it 15-6. Matthew Gaudet and Josh Johnson scored late goals for the 17-6 final.
Tahoka Nanticoke led the Arrows attack with two goals and seven assists. Also adding to their personal statistics were Jordan Durston with three goals and four assists, and Gaudet with three goals and three assists.
Friday night, in Mimico, the Arrows downed the Mountaineers 14-5. It was 5-2 after the first period, and 11-4 after 40 minutes. The fight filled third period produced four more Arrows goals.
Six Nations will face the second place Orangeville Northman, Friday, in Orangeville, in an important matchup between the two best teams in the OLA Jr. A so far this season.
They will return home to the ILA to host the KW Braves, Sunday at 7 pm.
