Tigers return home to a weekend split

October 7, 2015 · 0 Comments

By Jake Courtepatte

Back-to-back losses to the Kingston Voyageurs were a stinging reminder of last spring’s playoff meltdown for the Aurora Tigers.

Returning home from a week-long Buffalo showcase that saw the Junior A club go 1-1-1, the Tigers looked to exact revenge on Kingston Friday at the Aurora Community Centre after falling to them 5 – 4 in the final game of the trip.

It was just not their night. The game was over after two periods, and Alex Formenton’s game opener was the only tally for the Tigers as they headed into the third down 4 – 1.

Mark Rozanov earned his first point in a Tigers uniform with a goal in the third, but the Tigers ended the game on the wrong side of a 5 – 2 score, dropping their second straight game in a so far up-and-down season.

The next night’s clash with the Cobourg Cougars left much more to be desired at the end of each period, each team exchanging goals but with the Tigers never gaining the lead.

Perennial goal scorer Drake Board was the regulation hero when he tied the game at four with just under two minutes remaining, while Daniel Mantenuto wore the overtime cape scoring on the powerplay just over two minutes into the extra frame.

Four of the Tigers five goals came on the powerplay.

Todd Winder had two goals and an assist on the night, making a good case to play his first full season with the Tigers. The 18-year old was cut after making 19 appearances in 2014-15, but so far this season has impressed management with four goals and nine assists through the first nine games. Having gone pointless in only one of those games, he leads the team in both assists and points.

Aurora faces Kingston for the third time in four games on the road Thursday, and will get their first look at the new Markham Royals on Sunday, the leaders of the Northeast Division.

Meanwhile, the management continues to roll over for the Tigers’ front office, with team Vice President Barry Quinn announcing his retirement earlier this week after six years with the organization.

“It’s time to pass the torch,” said Quinn. “Best of luck to the team in the future, and thanks for the tremendous amount of support over the years.”
Quinn helped lead the team to the number three national ranking in the CJHL last year as well as the OJHL regular season champions. He was also part of the 2013-2014 squad that took the Northeast Division title.

For stats, schedules, and more information, visit www.auroratiger.pointstreaksites.com.