Aurora Tigers go live as OJHL’s Game of the Week

February 24, 2022 · 0 Comments

It was quite an eventful week for the Aurora Tigers from start to finish.

Ahead of a highly coveted matchup that would feature “The Jungle” live on television, the Tigers earned themselves two scrumptious wins.

Last Tuesday, it took a heroic effort on the forecheck from Tigers forward Blake Frost to seal the 5-4 overtime victory against the visiting Markham Royals.

In the post-game interview, head coach Greg Johnston said he was ready to take on the top seeded Pickering Panthers in the back-to-back over the weekend.

He had one simple message to the group to prepare for the game on live television: “Play our game. Play hard, play smart. Attention to detail. Show up to play. It doesn’t change anything. There’s no camera flying off the top or anything like that. Put new laces in because it’s a TV game and go from there.”

In the prequel Friday night, the Tigers travelled to Pickering and smashed the Panthers 7-2.

Wolfgang Govederis led the boys with two goals and three assists on the night. Frost and Ty Roberts both recorded four points. Glen Crandall stopped 37 of 39 shots.

It was as if the boys laid it all out on the line and coming into the Aurora Community Centre the next day, the stage was set. For the first time this year, the Aurora Tigers were featured in the OJHL game of the week on home ice.

In pre-game interviews, Tigers netminder Nolan Boyd knew what needed to be done.

“It’s obviously hard to play a back-to-back in such a short period of time. But obviously momentum is huge in these situations. We’re pretty excited about today’s opportunity. Two top teams in our division. It’s going to be a really good game today,” Boyd said.

In the first period, it was the visiting Panthers who got off on the front foot. Newly appointed captain Brendan Tomilson’s point shot was tipped in front by Christos Rodis. The rebound fell to Ian Martin who tapped it in on the power play to give the visiting side the lead.

In the second period, and once again on the power play, Tomilson ripped it blocker side past Boyd to double the advantage.

With 7:28 left, the Tigers got back in it. Tommy Kloepfer’s point shot generated a juicy rebound for Sett Ursomarzo who tapped it in to put the boys within one.

Following a great effort in the third period, Zachary Roy kept the Panthers ahead. A late empty net goal from Jake Partridge sealed the win.

“We are honoured the OJHL and CHCH chose our organization and the Town of Aurora as a featured game of the week. A great game and time had by all,” said Team Governor of the Tigers Jim Thomson.

On Monday, the boys travelled north to Collingwood. The Tigers fell 4-3 in overtime.

The big week continues this week. The boys will revisit Pickering this Thursday and will host the Milton Menace Friday night at 7.30 p.m. before travelling to Brantford to battle the 99ers on Sunday.

By Robert Belardi