Aurora Tigers move into second place in North Division

December 23, 2021 · 0 Comments

The Aurora Tigers have moved into second place following a 2-0 victory against the Collingwood Blues and a 6-3 thrashing of the Markham Royals.

There are not any more surprises about this Aurora Tigers team. These boys are just that good.

Welcoming the Collingwood Blues into the Aurora Community Centre last Thursday, the Tigers sat in third place right behind their foes. In a potential playoff matchup, should these two teams find a way to remain in the second and third seeds, this heavyweight tilt would give every hockey fan what they came for.

The first period was loaded with quick hits, snapshots and aggression all over the boards. But it was in the second period where the game began to slightly open up.

The Tigers, who are more of an offensive team, got on the board thanks to an appearance from an associated player. The Newmarket native ripped a shot from the top of the right face off circle that found its way past Noah Pak for the 1-0 lead.

In the third period with the Blues and Tigers neck-and-neck, a spectacular move from Tigers defenceman William Smith set up the final goal. Smith entered the zone and danced around a few defensemen before throwing the puck on net. Blake Frost was on the doorstep to jam it in.

The game ended 2-0. Nolan Boyd earned his first OJHL shutout.

Smith, who had committed to the University of Massachusetts earlier last week, is tied for second-most points amongst defencemen in the entirety of the OJHL with eight goals and 17 assists on the year.

After the win, he said it was an easy decision commit to UMass.

“Making the decision was pretty easy. Obviously a great school, I connected with the coach as well. I’m excited for what the future holds,” Smith said.

In terms of his game and the improvements that he has made over the course of the year, Smith credits the work he has done with his assistant coach.

“Working with Rob Powers in practice, we like to work on the little things. You know, good gaps, good stick on pucks. Try to get up in the play whenever possible. I’d say I’m playing really confident out there. I’m enjoying it. Everyone is enjoying it, we have a great team. We love coming here and playing. We enjoy it every day and I think that’s contributed to our success.”

Speaking on both Seney and the other recently signed player Sett Ursomarzo, head coach Greg Johnston said he likes what he sees.

“[Sett] was down in the States and he came back. He’s been a nice addition and he’s going to be with us for a few years. It was kind of a natural fit for us there. Seney is a call up. He’s played three games for us now. He’s played really solid. He’s a big, strong kid. Strong on the puck keeps it really simple for us,” Johnston said.

With the release of former goaltender Christian Filippetti, the Tigers signed Glen Crandall from the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners in the NOJHL.

Johnston, alluded to his work ethic and his attitude. He has loved what he has seen from the Dundalk native thus far as he continues to back up Nolan Boyd.

Against the Royals, following a 1-1 score after the first period the Tigers poured it on in the second.

After a goal from Royals forward Cole Cooksey at 10:19 in the frame the Tigers bounced back thanks to two goals from Nick Lamont in under a minute. A few minutes later at 14:40, Ethan McFarland added a third goal in the period on the power play.

Although Austin D’Orazio added another goal for the Royals, Luc Reeve and Justin Biraben added two more to give the boys the big win.

Barring no cancellations or postponements due to the rise in cases of COVID-19, the Tigers will take on the Stouffville Spirit tonight at 7.30 p.m. on the road in the final game before a Christmas break.

By Robert Belardi