The U15 Rep Cheryl Smith RE/MAX team continued its strong playoff push this week after an impressive 5–0 round robin record, defeating Brock, Mariposa, Millbrook, Newcastle and Durham to finish first overall and advance to the semifinals. The team is also currently riding a 13-game winning streak and is undefeated in their last 18 games.
U15 Rep is now facing Mariposa in a best-of-three semifinal series, and March 3’s opening game proved to be a thrilling back-and-forth battle.
Mariposa struck first, scoring twice to take a 2–0 lead. The Storm responded with determination and teamwork, beginning the comeback when Lucas Vale opened the scoring with assists from Brady Burke and Chase Kerr.
Shortly after, Hunter Peelow tied the game, with helpers from Kelson Bagshaw and Bently Bull.
The Storm continued their push when Austin Cunningham restored the lead assisted by Hunter Hamilton. Mariposa answered in the third period to even the score and force 3-on-3 overtime.
In the extra frame, Hamilton sealed the victory powering through three Mariposa defenders before burying the gamewinning goal, assisted by Cruize Neave.
A strong defensive effort was key throughout the game, with the Storm blueline of Hudson Meyer, Tyler Hughes, Liam Milburn, James Gooley, and Duncan Evans-Fockler playing steady minutes and helping limit Mariposa’s opportunities.
The team is also thinking of teammate Lucas Upton, who is currently sidelined with an injury, and wishing him all the best for a speedy recovery.
In net, Corbin Elliot turned in a solid performance while Blake Hutchinson has also been instrumental in the success through our playoff push.
It was truly a full team effort, with contributions throughout the lineup and every line finding the scoresheet.
