Goaltending put at the forefront of exhibition matchup against Windsor
The Gee-Gees men’s hockey team took to home ice for the second time this preseason on Sept. 23, as they faced off against the University of Windsor Lancers.
Coming fresh from two victorious outings, the home team would still have to contend with a tough test against an opposite-division Ontario University Athletics opponent.
As soon as the puck dropped at the Minto Sports Complex, the intensity was evident, and continued for most of the game.
Forward Kevin Domingue had the first significant scoring chance of the game, as he was alone against the Windsor goaltender, who was up to the task and made a great save five minutes into the game.
Gees goaltender Graham Hunt rose to the competition, stopping ex-Moncton Wildcat teammate Kyle Haas on the doorstep of the net.
Following some great goaltending on both sides, Dylan Denomme of the Lancers lit up the scoreboard with a shot from the slot that beat Hunt’s glove side.
The Gees got the second period off on the right foot, pouncing on the forecheck. Centre Jacob Hanlon used to the momentum to finish a two-on-one, beating the visiting team’s goalie for the Gee-Gees’ first goal.
Later in the second, Haas was awarded a penalty shot. However, Hunt didn’t bite on any of Haas’ maneuvers and turned the Lancer away. But the momentum was short lived, as the Lancers later found the back of the net to take a 2-1 lead.
Shortly afterward, the Lancers once again beat Hunt with wrist shot to extend the Lancer lead.
Entering the third period, the Gee-Gees turned up the heat, drawing a powerplay with 18:30 left to play. Although the Gees couldn’t capitalize on the powerplay, shortly after, Matthew Dunlop cut the Windsor lead to just a goal, converting on a great passing play.
The save of the game came with 4:58 to go as the Windsor goaltender made an incredible game saving stop, keeping the equalizer off of the board.
Even though the Gee-Gees pulled their goalie with less than a minute to go, they couldn’t make up the difference, and the game ended as the Gees were awarded their first preseason loss at home.
Strong goaltending was at the forefront of this matchup, as Hunt and his Windsor advisory battled for the entirety of the game. The Lancers capitalized on some shaky defence to generate multiple chances with their speed and effective shooting.
The Gees’ next home exhibition game will be against the Binghamton Senators. The game will take place on Sept. 30 at 7:30 p.m. at the Minto Sports Complex.
