Momentum was the name of the game Saturday, Jan. 30 for Westlock’s Midget Warriors who posted an improbable 9-6 comeback against the CNN Spurs at the Rotary Spirit Centre in Tier 4 1660 Midget Hockey League play.
First it was the Warriors turn.
A penalty at 8:42 opened things up for Westlock, who continued to dominate play throughout the period.
“The first 15 minutes we had complete control of the game,” head coach Rick Dutchak said.
Both teams chopped up and down the ice, struggling hard to pick up a lead, but then it was CNN’s turn.
The Spurs broke loose into Warriors territory to even the score and spanked two more home to end the first with a 3-1 lead.
The onslaught continued throughout the second, with the Spurs putting away two more before Westlock answered with 1:26.
Not having it, CNN banked one more for good measure at, finishing the period with a grim 6-2 lead over Westlock.
But something happened in the Warriors dressing room between the second and third period.
Instead of giving up, the boys decided the only way to go down was swinging.
“We said, ‘if you’re going to be upset about it, go out there and do something about it. Get some goals. There’s one way to get back at them and that’s on the score sheet.’,” Dutchak said.
The change in attitude was palpable from the moment Westlock took the ice. Roused, the Warriors began a seven-goal tear, leaving the Spurs struggling to pick up the pieces.
“There were some guys that had the effort and the rest just followed suit.”
The comeback nearly stalled for the Westlock when Warrior Spencer Blades took a savage body check into the boards.
A brawl nearly erupted after, while struggling to get up, Blades took a cheap kick from a Spurs player.
“We could have gotten into a big brawl over it, but we don’t need to at that point. We had to much to lose,” Dutchak said, explaining that as the boys move into playoff territory it’s important to maintain composure and focus.
“It’s effort and positivity and that’s what our key is. We start gelling when we’re positive and work hard. A big win like this prepares us for provincials. It’s kind of a bonus.”
