The first 20 minutes of game four of the Hasty Ps Cup was a roller coaster. Six goals were scored in a very entertaining first frame.
Like every game to this point in the summit series, the Wellington Dukes jumped out to another fantastic start, with a 2-0 lead. They scored twice in the first six minutes, separated by just 2:32. Evan Miller received a beautiful pass on his off wing, scoring low glove side to go up 1-0. Brodie McDougall made it 2-0, after the Dukes won the draw. He scored high blocker side.
Trenton responded five minutes later, and it was Madoc’s Dalton Bancroft getting it done. “Banger” tipped home a shot from the blue line that beat Eli Shiller. Just 1:28 later, Trenton struck again. Matteo Disipio made it 2-2 and 2:27 after that, it was Jake Laville, giving the G-Hawks their first in the series. The Dukes would tie it up before the end of the period. James White fired home yet another, making it six in four games. Shots favoured Wellington 14-13.
In the second period, Trenton pounded the shots on the Dukes’ net, but it was Wellington with the only marker. Owen Kruse fired home a dump in, with Barret Joynt getting the assist. Trenton outshot the Dukes 28-11.
In the third period, Wellington extended their lead to 5-3, as Ben Woodhouse netted a low blocker side shot just inside the post at 6:06. Assists went to James White and Brodie McDougall. The Dukes would put it away for good as Brodie McDougall scored just seconds into a power play, with assists going to Miller and Woodhouse.
Final score was Wellington 6, Trenton 3. Shots in the game finished 54-34 Trenton.
G-Hawks Coach Peter Goulet says, “Once again we dug ourselves a hole. Four games in a row. We did do a better job however, in and around the net. Our presence there was much improved. It was too bad we scored three straight goals and did not leave the first period with the lead. We were not able to score on the power play (5 on 3) late in the second, which would have tied the game and given us momentum. The season is never how we start, it is how we finish, and we have time to right the ship. “
The G-Hawks’ newest player, Joe Ranger (acquired from Mississauga of the OHL) commented after his first game with Trenton, “I have been playing summer league style hockey to stay in shape, but nothing is like a real game. There were some positives, but I feel like I have a lot better to show. The guys played well, and I am confident we will pull through.”
Wellington Coach Derek Smith says, “we are giving up way too many shots. Our goaltenders have done a great job of making the first save, and our defence and low forwards have been relied upon to clear it. Our forwards have done a good job at getting into holes and into traffic. Goals have also been coming from the outside and that is because we have guys in front of the net. Traffic has been key.”
Brodie McDougall of the Dukes finished the game with four points and says his line with James White and Ben Woodhouse has gelled. “We are moving the puck well. We are keeping it simple. The game is a lot different without checking. The “D” has been moving the puck well and we are cycling well in the offensive zone. It is always more fun when you are in the other team’s end.”
Thursday is an off day for both teams, and the 8-game Summit Series moves back to Wellington for game 5 Friday at 2:30 p.m. The series, presented by Trent Valley Distributors, can be seen on YourTV (4/700)
