The Upper Montgomery Lightning junior varsity played with heart and determination in Tuesday afternoon’s game versus Landon, but could not overcome the significant difference in talent. Playing up in competition against a more talented opponent in Landon (private school junior varsity teams are allowed to play a higher caliber student athlete), the Lightning lost 9-0.
The beginning of the game was tightly contested before the Bears broke the scoreless tie 8:30 into the contest on a goal by Landon center P. Oeskovich. That goal opened the flood gates as Landon would go on to score three more times before the end of the first period. Inside the defensive zone, the Lightning defended well, but were beaten up ice on several occasions for rush goals. Upper Montgomery goalie Landon Bernard was left one-on-one with Landon shooters far too often. Shots on goal in the first period were 15-3 in favor of Landon.
The Lightning played well once again in the second period, allowing only one goal. Landon Bernard (33 saves) made some incredible and acrobatic saves to keep the Lightning in the game. In the middle of the period, Upper Montgomery center Henry Honacki had a breakaway chance that was foiled by Landon goalie J. Licalsi, who would make six saves in his shutout victory.
In the third period the Lightning tired against the Bears pressure surrendering four more goals, two at the beginning of the period and two at the end of the period when the teams were just playing out the clock.
Game Notes:
- The Lightning special teams fizzled. The power play was 0-6 in the game including a 5-3 opportunity.
- The Lightning gave up their first power play goal of the season.
- The Lightning gave up a late short-handed goal.
- Shots on goal; Upper Montgomery 6, Landon 42.
- The game was played with three 15-minute periods, rather than the standard junior varsity 12-minute periods.
- The Lightning junior varsity is next in action on Saturday, December 11 at 6:30 pm facing off versus Sherwood/Quince Orchard at Cabin John Ice Rink.
Three Stars of the Game:
First Star—P. Oeskovich—Landon Center—2 Goals, 1 Assist
Second Star—C. Binner—Landon Forward—2 Goals
Third Star—Landon Bernard—Upper Montgomery Goalie—33 Saves