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Page 10 The Clarington/Courtice Independent, Bowmanville, Saturday, March 1, 1997 Esso-Harve/s Pushed to the Limit ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ The Newcastle Esso- Harvey's Atoms advanced to the OMHA quarter-finals by defeating Minden 5-2 in the fifth and deciding game of the series in Minden on Sunday, February 23. Newcastle had rebounded from a 2-1 scries deficit to take the final two games and come away as zone champions. The series opened up in Minden on February 13, and the Esso-Harvey's squad opened the scoring early in the first period as Tanner Millson scored with Kenneth Lake drawing the assist. Minden tied the game up at the 3:47 mark of the first period period and then took a 2-1 lead just 35 seconds later. The score remained that way until the 5:10 mark, of the third period when a Minden player was given a 5 minute major penalty for hitting from behind. Newcastle was able to score three goals on the power play to take game one by a 4-2 score. Nathan Wright scored the tying goal on an unassisted effort with Johnathan Beecroft scoring the game winner, also unassisted. unassisted. Chris Saunders had the insurance marker with Nathan Wright and Tanner Millson getting the assists. Ryan Clarke got the win in net for Newcastle. Game two of the series was back in Newcastle on February 19, and his game proved to be a very tight checking affair as both teams played great defensive hockey. hockey. The game remained scoreless scoreless until the 1:51 mark of the second period as Minden was able to take advantage of a 2 on 1 break to score the only goal of the game and even the series up at a game apiece. Ryan Clarke played a strong game in net for Newcastle. Game three of the series had the Esso-Harvey's squad travelling up Highway 35 to Minden on Thursday, February 20, hoping to avenge the previous night's 1 - 0 loss. Newcastle opened the scoring in this game after three minutes of play n the first period as Nathan Wright scored with Paul Highgate and Kenneth Lake getting the helpers. The second period belonged to Minden as they were able to put two pucks behind Shawn Caissie in the Newcastle net to take a 2-1 lead into the third period. The Esso-Harvey's team were able to tie the game early in the third period as Chris Saunders scored from the slot with Peter Heerschojp and Nathan Wright assisting. Minden showed that they were determined to take this game as they took the puck from the face off and scored the go ahead goal just 10 seconds seconds later. Newcastle pressed hard but were unable to score the equalizer. Game four was back in Newcastle on Saturday, February 22, and with a large crowd on hand, the Esso- Harvey's squad were eager to show the hometown fans why they had not lost three games in a row all year long. The two teams started off slow in this one but Newcastle was able to score the crucial first goal at the 4:45 mark of the first period as Johnathan Beecroft was able to put one under the Minden goalie on a pass from Derek Crabb. Nathan Wright put the Esso- Harvey's squad up by two just two minutes later with Paul Highgate and Chris Saunders getting the helpers. Newcastle showed why they had the best defensive record in the league as they kept the Minden shooters to the outside with good defense and outstanding back checking. Kenneth Lake put the game away for Newcastle midway through the third period as Paul Highgate sent him in on a breakaway and he made no mistake as he picked the corner corner to make the final score 3- 0. Justin Valckx had the other helper. Ryan Clarke had the shutout in net for Newcastle. This set the table for game five the following day. The fifth and final game of the scries was back in Minden just 14 hours later, and with the teams playing their fourth game in five days, it would be Newcastle's bench strength that would prove to be the difference difference in this game as they were able to maintain a fast pace throughout the game. The Newcastle squad opened the scoring in the first period on a power play as Ryan Sutton picked the corner on a point shot on a nice setup from Peter Heerschop and Chris Saunders. Dwayne Forde put Newcastle up by 2- 0 when he scored a short handed goal as he used his great speed to break between the Minden defense to go in all alone on the Minden goalie. Minden was able to cut the lead in half as they scored a power play goal with just one second left in the first period. The second period belonged to Newcastle as they tallied three goals to take a commanding 5-1 lead. Nathan Wright continued his scoring streak as he scored the third Newcastle goal with Turn to page 11 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ NEWCASTLE VILLAGE MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION The Newcastle Village Minor Hockey Association would like to thank the following businesses for donating prizes for their annual Valentine's dance. Love Your Pet Steeves Auto Supply Bi-Way Hopes Video Roselina's Pizza Kids Love Hockey Captain Georges Roots Hair Design Flowers Plus Stedmans Square Boys Pizza Newcastle Village Card & Gift Shoppe Ace Submarine A1 Shaw-Davis Septic Service Massey House Spirit Sportswear Kathy Shaw Gifts Hoopers Trophies ★ ★ ★ ★ * ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★#% rarriwp ■BUR ■ gg§§§|i FUEL-INJECTOR SERVICE Here's what we'll do: Our experts will clean the injectors for improved engine performance and fuel economy. Give us a try today and start with great value! Offer expires March 8,1997 CMFF | Licensed, Trained Technicians • Top Quality Parts • Nationwide Guarantees I Canadian Tire 2401 Hwy. 2, Bowmanville 623-5000 EVERYDAY LOW PRICES MADE BETTER M WL SL97-1052