Midget AA Wildcats grab two ties in exhibition series

The Mid Canada Wildcats skated to two ties and two one-goal losses on the weekend in games against White River and Traverse City.

After a disappointing 2-1 loss to White River on Friday night at McMeeken, the Wildcats tied the Winter Hawks 1-1 in a rematch Saturday morning. Saturday afternoon Mid Canada battled back from a 4-2 deficit to tie Traverse City 4-4 and then dropped a 1-0 decision to Traverse City Saturday night at Rankin arena.

Sault Ste Marie played well in all four games, carrying the play for the most part. As has become routine this year, the Wildcats outworked their opponents but were snake bitten when it came to scoring.

In a penalty-filled match Friday night, White River jumped out to an early 1-0 lead just 4 minutes into the game. The Wildcats outplayed the Winter Hawks for the next period and a half, but failed to capitalize on numerous scoring chances. Mid Canada's only goal came during a 5-on-3 power play with 6:25 remaining in the third. Megan Dubas scored on a set up from Megan Parlowe to tie the game at one apiece. The Wildcats continued to press for the go ahead goal but White River's Chasity Sinclair was solid between the pipes, frustrating Sault shooters at every turn. Winter Hawks' sensation, Tanya Lamon's second goal of the game was the winner with 1:41 left to play.

In Saturday morning's contest, it was the Wildcats' turn to strike first as Kayla Leishman scored just before the end of the opening period. Coco Mancuso and Laura Duguay each picked up an assist. Despite their dominance and six power play chances, Mid Canada couldn't beat Chasity Sinclair a second time. Once again, White River scored late in the third to spoil the Wildcats' lead. Karyna Arsenault notched the tying goal with 3:31 remaining. Lamon and Jessica Jean had assists on the play.

In the afternoon game, Sault Ste Marie fell behind 2-1 and 4-2 but clawed back both times to even the score, in a hard-fought 4-4 tie against Traverse City. It was a gutsy performance and a spirited effort by the home squad. Kayla Leishman, Cassandra Bin, Jenna Buck and Megan Dubas each scored for the Wildcats. Buck, Laura Duguay, Naomi Taylor, Megan Parlowe and Meagan Seabrook each had one helper to complete the come-back. Continued…

Playing their fourth game in less than 24 hours, the Wildcats mustered up enough energy to outplay their opponents once again, but couldn't bury the puck as they were shut out 1-0 by Traverse City. Mid Canada killed off 5 penalties but went 0 for 4 on the power play.

"It's unfortunate that we couldn't get a handle on the puck and finish off more of our chances this weekend, but the effort of our players was impressive," said head coach Sharon Buehner.

"Coming from behind the way they did against Traverse City says a lot about their team character and competitiveness. They're a determined bunch, who have learned not to quit. This weekend was important as we prepare for a Wisconsin tournament in March and Provincials in April. Hopefully their efforts will be rewarded with goals in those tournaments."

Mid Canada travels to Hayward, Wisconsin March 16-19th for the "Fire on Ice" Invitational Tournament. The Midget AA Ontario Provincial Championships take place April 7-10th in the Toronto area.

(Submitted by Lorie Springall)