Jonathan Maillet For the Journal The Sarnia Legionnaires head into this week facing two of the top three teams in their division — on the road Wednesday night in London to face the Nationals, then back home Thursday to host the LaSalle Vipers.
Jonathan Maillet
For the Journal
The Sarnia Legionnaires head into this week facing two of the top three teams in their division — on the road Wednesday night in London to face the Nationals, then back home Thursday to host the LaSalle Vipers.
The Legionnaires are coming off a tough loss to Chatham last Thursday; the Maroons were searching for their first win and came out strong, pushing the game to overtime and eventually taking the two points with a 6-5 win.
Coach Brian Irwin was pleased with how his team played, and despite not getting the win, said he’s happy the team battled and brought home a point.
“We talk a lot around the team about the 50-game season and try to get ourselves points every week,” Irwin told The Journal. “It’s a goal of ours to keep ourselves in hockey games and get points every week.”
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with the lead changing hands a few times. Chatham led 1-0 after 1, but the game was tied 3-3 heading into the third. Sarnia would get out to a 4-3 and a 5-4 lead in the third period, but the Maroons would battle back each time to tie.
In the extra frame, Chatham would get a late goal from Jaxon Fortier-Smith 3:43 into OT for the 6-5 win. Logan Phillips put in another solid performance, stopping 43 of 49 shots.
Sarnia would continue to see scoring through the lineup, with goals from Ryan Richardson, Colin Langstaff, Ty Moffat, Ty Therien and Cameron Graham.
“We couldn’t finish the deal, that’s part of the learning process of winning hockey games,” Irwin added. “I liked the energy from our group and the fact we are scoring goals is a good sign.”
He said they just need to tidy up a few details in the defensive zone, but believes they are on the right track.
This week, the tests don’t get any easier, as Sarnia heads to London to take on the third-place Nationals. Thursday they host the first-place LaSalle Vipers.
“We’ev got a tough week,” Irwin said, noting these are two teams that are traditionally on top of the standings.
“LaSalle might be the creme-de-le-creme at this point; based on what we’ve seen, it’s going to be a stiff test this week.”
He also realizes his team can’t look past the Nationals, and need to take things one game at a time.
“Our focus is on the Nationals, get through Wednesday night and prepare for the quick turnaround to face the Vipers.”
Sarnia is in London Wednesday night at 7:15 p.m., and Coach Irwin is hopeful the extra space the larger ice provides in London may be of benefit to his skaters.
“We’ve got some guys that should be able to take advantage of the wider ice in London,” he said, hoping the extra space will allow some creativity from his offense.
As the Legionnaires prepare for a tough week of games, Irwin said it’s all part of the 50-game grind.
“There’s going to be weeks like this where you’re facing two top teams in the same week, and we just have to keep working on our identity and what we want to be as a hockey team.”
Sarnia is back home Thursday night to host the Vipers at 7:05 p.m.
Fans are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to receive a ticket for a chance to win a Sarnia Legionnaires jersey.
All donations will go to the St Vincent De Paul food bank.
