Sundre Midget Huskies defeat Cranbrook in shootout cliffhanger

Midget Hockey Tournament
Sundre vs Cranbrook
C. Davis photo

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

The Sundre Huskies faced the Cranbrook Ice at Pincher Creek's MCC Arena Saturday evening, January 14.  At stake was the final spot in the first-place Final game in the Pincher Creek Midget Tournament, to be held Sunday afternoon, January 15 at 1 pm.  Pincher Creek's own Huskies earned their own spot in that game earlier in the day.


This was a contest between to very strong and equally matched teams.  Cranbrook scored once in each of the first two periods.  Sundre scored twice in the second period.  The third period remained deadlocked until the very last minutes.  Sundre scored with 3:47 on the clock, putting them ahead 3-2, and seemingly clinching the game, particularly with real scoring opportunities on two very strong goaltenders being so few and far between.  Cranbrook pulled their goalie, a move that backfires as often as it succeeds.  This time it succeeded.   An unbelievable unassisted goal by Cranbrook's #14 Zach Singer tied it up 3-3 with 4.7 seconds left on the clock.

A shootout was in order.  Three players from each team were chosen to play "beat the goalie."  Apologies to the players, I don't know these teams well, and the score sheet didn't show it, so I can't put names to  the players in this one.  Please fill me in at pinchercreekvoice@gmail.com if you know.

Cranbrook takes a shot.  Miss.
Huskies takes a shot.  Goal.  Huskies up 4-3
Cranbrook takes a shot.  Goal.  Score tied again at 4-4.
Huskies take a shot.  Miss.
Cranbrook takes a shot.  Miss.
Last man up, Huskies player takes a shot.
Score, and that's the game folks.
5-4 Sundre Huskies.  Great hockey, and a thriller of an ending.

Check out the Sundre Huskies as they battle Pincher Creek's own Huskies at 1 pm today, Sunday, January 15 at the MCC Arena.  The winner of that contest goes home the Pincher Creek Midget Tournament champion.

And hey, Pincher Creek Huskies, keep a close eye on Sundre's #6 Stephen Ross, and good luck up against goalie Cole Smith.  He's got some skills.