HUNTSVILLE - On Saturday afternoon, at the Jack Bionda Arena, the Huntsville Atom AE Otters took on the South Muskoka squad and were able to come up with a 7-4 victory. Taylor Cottrill had a great game finishing with a hat-trick including a top-shelf marker from the faceoff circle in the first. Captain Cole Patey set up several plays and also chipped in for two markers. Singles went to Kyle Mattice and Wes Farnsworth. Nathan Markle broke through several times and had a strong effort.
The third period saw the visitors fight back making it 6-3 with increased pressure but our defensive core shut the door. It was a great effort by Jake Hildebrandt who thwarted three chances by the opposition by standing up at the blueline. A great effort by all.
On Sunday afternoon at the Jack, after a lengthy warm up, the Otters hit the ice against a strong Midland squad.
The first period was a tight contest with the Otters leading 1-0 from a goal by Cole Patey. Once again, our d-men shone as Tyson Robb took away four attempts in the first period and cleared the puck out several times. In the second Mattice buried one from a great pass by Patey. Midland made it 2-1 at the end of the second to keep it tight. In the third, the boys put the pedal down and scored three times with Cottrill scoring and Patey adding two more to finish with a hat-trick. A great third period from Alan East, who cleared out the puck numerous times to stop the Midland pressure.
The goaltending duo has been strong from Owen Buczek and Cole Frasier and held their own under some pressure this weekend.
The Otters have shown that as strong as they are individually, their team play has been impressive this early in the season.
Coach Jason Farnsworth will lead the lads into play this weekend with games at the Jack against Collingwood at 1:30 p.m. and then at 11 a.m. game against the North Muskoka team in Humphrey.
Come out and show your support.