Palominos win 6-5 in OT against transformed Huskies

Player of the Game Jordie Waters scoring for Palominos
C. Davis photos and video

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Pincher Creek's RHL Huskies hosted the 2012/13 RHL and Senior Mens "A" Provincial Champion Nanton Palominos at the MCC arena on Saturday evening, November 2.  122 hockey fans were treated to a great game.  Both teams came to play.  Something seemed to click into place for the Huskies throughout this game.  Their younger players seem to be adjusting to the increased pressures and punishments of adult hockey.  On paper the Palominos should have had an easy ride, but the game that unfolded saw the Huskies holding their own quite well.

Huskies Captain Alex Elliott started the show off right for the hometown crowd with a goal 6:08 into the first period, assisted by Hayden Shackel and Mac Jordan.

A fine example of the improved Huskies passing play that was evident throughout this game.

Nanton's Greg Martin evened the score at 8:01 into the period, assisted by Shane Stewart and Tom Mikrut (see video below).

42 seconds later Alex Elliot intercepted a Palomino pass, made a rapid breakaway, scoring unassisted to put the Huskies ahead again, 2-1, which was where the score stood at the end of the first.

Some rough stuff in the last minute of play was quickly quashed.

The Huskies had a hard time keeping their momentum going in the second period.  Nanton's Jordie Waters scored at 8:23, assisted by Steve McMasters and Trevor O'Neil.  2-2.  At 9:16 Brady Egger scored for the Palominos, assisted by Greg Martin.  3-2 Palominos.

With 4:38 remaining in the period Nanton's Colin MacMurdo  scored, assisted by Tyson Lowe and Chris Berns.  4-2 Palominos, which stood to the end of the period.  From a point ahead to 2 points behind for the Huskies.

Shane Yellow Horn scored a nice long shot powerplay goal for the Huskies 3:49 into the third period, assisted by Mac Jordan and Mason Bond.  4-3 Palominos.

Nanton's Greg Martin scored his second goal of the game at 12:34 into the period, doing a perfect job of cherry-picking the net, assisted by Tom Mikrut and Shane Stewart. 5-3 Palominos.

The Huskies fired it up, with a goal coming from Lance Ridley with 5:04 left in regulation play.  Sam Quinlan picked up an assist on that goal.

Then Alex Elliott tied it up after being in the right place at the right time with 3:22 remaining, earning himself a hat trick at the same time.  Hayden Shackel and Matthew Hammel got assists on that goal.  5-5.  That's where it stood at the buzzer.

Five minutes of overtime, to be followed by a shootout if necessary.

With 1:47 remaining in overtime Palomino Jordie Waters scored his second goal of the game, assisted by Thomas Dillon.  Palominos win it 6-5.

The shots on goal stats were almost identical, (unofficially) the Huskies facing 38 shots on goal to 37 against Nanton (thanks for keeping track, Jaimie McMullen).

A bit of a heartbreaker for the Huskies, after playing one of their best games ever.

Stars of the game:
Nanton Palominos: #12 Jordie Waters
Pincher Creek Huskies: #17 "Hat Trick" Alex Elliott, and #23 Lance Ridley.

Upcoming:
The RHL Huskies host Lomond next Saturday evening November 9 at Pincher Creek's Memorial Community Centre arena, starting at 8:00 pm.