OHSWEKEN— Once again the Six Nations Pee Wee Rep’s offence came up clutch.
Facing the immense pressure of an OMHA Game 5 win or go home scenario, Six Nations made a statement when on Sunday, January 26th they got the Gaylord Powless Arena rocking by defeating the Waterford Wildcats 7-4 and advancing to the second round.
“They worked hard. They moved the puck took short shifts and played as a team,” Six Nations coach Dennis MacDonald said.
Showing strong determination Six Nations battled back from the brink of elimination twice this series as they trailed two games to one, before pulling out a 5-2 Game 4 win, which of course set the stage for a thrilling Sunday afternoon OMHA first-round win or go home scenario.
“I wasn’t nervous,” Six Nations power forward Kariwanoro Squire said about Game 5. “We outworked them on the boards. They took a lot of penalties.”
Squire, who is quiet and modest off the ice, was all business this game as he embraced the moment with a two-goal performance including the first-period opener which gave them quite a bit of momentum.
“It’s a good feeling getting the first goal,” Squire said. “They’re a good team but we’re better.”
With just over five minutes left in the first Six Nations erupted for all kinds of chances and were once again rewarded only this time with two goals including a highlight-reel shot from the slot by Ryker Powless.
Waterford showed that they weren’t going to go away as they pressed late in the period and scored a huge goal with only two seconds remaining which cut the deficit to 3-1 heading to the second. “A lot of different guys scored, MacDonald said about his team. “We were the better team for the whole series.”
Following a scoreless second that saw both goalies make some big saves, Six Nations offence took control in the third.
After surrendering an early Waterford goal to make it a one-goal game, the Pee Wee Reps got on a roll and couldn’t be stopped as they scored three straight in jumping out to a 6-2 lead. Still getting some key saves from goalie Peyten Vyse-Squire, Six Nations then coasted to a series-winning 7-4 win.
“It looks like it will be Alymer,” MacDonald said in reference to the second round. “Alymer is a good team who can move the puck and played good positionally. They are well-disciplined and consistent.”
Scoring for the Six Nations Pee Wee Reps in this game were Squire with two goals, Ryker Powless, Terrell Garlow, Crosby Anderson, Coop Anderson and Kolbee Van Every who scored into an open net to start the celebration.
