Week in review May 12-18

The Mavericks opened the scoring late in the 1st period as the talented Ricky Canning fired home the first 2 goals of the game less than a minute apart. An early 3-0 Maverick-lead would soon evaporate in as the Bandits capitalized on the man-advantage by scoring six powerplay goals to draw even at 7-7 by the 2nd intermission. Chase Wallace and Rob Diamond scored two quick goals less than 2 minutes apart as the Mavericks regained their lead early in the 3rd. The Bandits would feed off the energy from their young supporters, drawing Moncton into penalty trouble late in the period as Josh Proulx and Thomas Crane scored to tie the game at 9 all. Moncton goalie Matt McConnell came up with 2 key saves in the final minute of the game as the Bandits and Mavericks played to a 10-10 tie in the first game of their season series.

Next up for the Mavericks: Halifax Northwest. The Rebels, hot off a 16-goal explosion against Sackville, were looking to put an end to Moncton’s 3 game unbeaten streak. The upstart Mavericks had other plans as they would pound the Rebels for 60 minutes for a commanding 10-2 win. Ricky Canning and Tyler Dobbie each recorded a hattrick as Moncton pulled away early and never looked back. The Mavericks played a smothering defensive game and held top Northwest scorers Paddy Quinn and Josh Sampson off the scoresheet. Matt McConnell recorded the win in nets for Mavericks and Pat Keats and Dan Hubley split the loss for the Revels. 

On Monday May 14th, the young Sackville Wolves would prove to the league that they can compete with any team as they travelled to Spryfield to take on the Halifax Hurricanes. Wolves’ veteran enforcer Mason Geldart opened the scoring 5 minutes into the opening game as Sackville would gain a sizeable 5-0 lead heading into the 1st intermission. In the 2nd, it was all Southwest as the Hurricanes capitalized on 3 fast-break opportunities to draw even at 6-6 heading into the final frame. Sackville would keep pace with the high-flying Hurricanes in the 3rd but in the end, Southwest would go on for the 10-8 win over the hungry Wolves. Halifax goalie Jake Nordin recorded his first win of the season (along with 3 assists) while Bruce Ingraham played well for Sackville in spite of the loss.

On Wednesday May 16th, Halifax Northwest hosted the Dartmouth Bandits for the first-time since they were upset in 3 games in the opening round of last year’s playoffs. Right from the opening faceoff, the Rebels out-hustled, out-muscled and out-scored the Bandits as they cruised to decisive 14-8 victory. Paddy Quinn put away the game in the 2nd as Northwest burned the undisciplined Bandits for 7 goals on the powerplay. Quinn (5G, 2A), Josh Vincent (2G, 2A) and Josh Sampson (3G) paced the Rebels in points on the night. At the end of the game, Dartmouth captain Danny Lloyd commented on his team’s lackluster effort. “From top to bottom, we were unready to play. If we play our game and stay out of the box, we know we can beat anyone in this league. That didn’t happen tonight and it showed on the floor. Hats off to Northwest, they were the better team.” Pat Keats recorded the win in nets for the Rebels while Jonathan Boutin and Brandon Deveau split the loss for Dartmouth.

Both teams will look to establish some consistency in their play when they return to action after the long-weekend in two key matchups. On Wednesday May 23rd, Northwest will play cross-town rival Southwest at the Spryfield Arena while the Wolves and Bandits battle it out the following night at the Bowles Arena.

Next week’s must-see matchup

Who? Sackville Wolves vs. Dartmouth Bandits

When and Where? Thursday May 24, 7:30pm @ Bowles Arena

Why? Whenever a team from Sackville plays a team from Dartmouth, you know that the emotions will be running high. These two teams absolutely hate each other and will look to physically impose their dominance on the other for the full 60 minutes. Be sure to get the Bowles early to watch the Bandits and Wolves showcase their brand of high-energy, hard hitting style of play!

ECJLL 3 Stars of the Week, sponsored by Lax Hut

1st Star: Matt McConnell, Moncton Mavericks

2nd Star: Paddy Quinn, Northwest Rebels

3rd Star: Thomas Crane, Dartmouth Bandits