The road to the Minto Cup continues as the Whitby Warriors claw their way back into the series after dropping the first two contests to the hands of the Six Nations Arrows. In game three, Whitby picked up their first win in the series to a score of 12-10.
Leading the way offensively for the Warriors was Dan Litner who recorded a hat-trick while adding three assists. Two days later, the two would meet for game four in Whitby for game four where once again the Warriors would pick up the decision, this time in a 8-7 victory. Georgetown Hoya Reilly O’Connor lead the offensive charge as he buried two markers and chipped in four assists. Litner was stellar yet again finding the back of the cage four times.
In between the pipes, veteran netminder Alexis Buque shut the door on the Arrows 44 times on 51 attempts en route to the series tying victory. Great goaltending was present on the other side of the floor as Six Nations’ keeper Warren Hill made several timely saves to keep his squad in the game.
A big story line in game four was the offensive absence of Rochester Knighthawk Johnny Powless. In the first three games Powless recorded 19 points (8G,11A) yet was held to just two assists in the fourth game. The defense of the Warriors did an outstanding job getting under the skin of Powless and the Arrows as Whitby scored five powerplay tallies including two consecutive Litner goals to push the lead to 8-5 late in the third.
Powless will need to get back on track if Six Nations want to regain control of the series and punch their ticket to the Minto Cup. Ontario Championship action continues Thursday August 8 at 8 p.m. as the Arrows will host the Warriors at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena in game five.
