Mites are back on the ice

By NATHAN LAMB | Milton Independent Staff Writer
miltonreporter@yahoo.com

Hockey season is upon us, and the Milton Full Ice Mites are back in the rink again sporting new uniforms. This year the team said goodbye to Sidney Shappy and to Elliott Hanna, who has advanced to the Squirt level. The team wishes good luck to Hanna who is playing for MAHA this year.

Saturday's game was fast and furious. Both teams had many fans and family members in the stands as MYH faced off for the second time with Chittenden South Burlington at Cairns arena. But this time Milton came out fighting hard with Captain Liam Flynn leading the team onto the ice. The first goal was scored by Milton's Liam Fersing who netted the puck in the first 2 minutes of the game. Brendan Green picked up an assist and let CSB know this would not be an easy win. Logan Lusignan rounded out the offensive line while defensman Cole Gaudette beat out the puck many times to get it back to the front line. Liam Flynn, new to defense, is showing great potential defending the goal and picked up a "hustler" award.

CSB came back to score 2 goals. In the second period, Milton's second offensive line consisting of Creede Burton, Tyler Perry and Aidan Flynn showed off their speedy skating. Backing them defensively were Jacob Carswell and Andrew McQuinn, both aggressive players who have much experience playing defense. With :28 on the clock at the end of the period, Brendan Green had an amazing breakaway, took his shot, then backed it up for an unassisted goal, tying the score and bring the crowd to their feet.

Goalie Eric Roy was the highlight of the game catching countless shots on the Milton goal and stopping CSB from scoring time and again. Roy's tremendous calm under pressure and talented goaltending contributed to the close game. Way to go!

Another breakaway for Green in the third period resulted in a missed goal for Liam Flynn as the net was pushed out of place. CSB scored once again and the hungry Milton team pulled Goalie Eric Roy in an attempt for redemption with 1:07 left on the clock. Milton put the pressure on, but lost control of the puck which sailed halfway across the ice and into Milton's unattended net. The Warriors were defeated 4-2.

Milton met with Barre on Sunday morning, also a second game for the two teams this season. With the exception of putting Fersing in goal and bringing Roy out to play center, the coaches kept the same lines. Coach Frank Flynn stated, "We won't fix what isn't broken." A smart move on the coaches part. In the first period, Eric Roy made an unassisted goal, not an easy feat against a team known for their speed. Gaudette was quick to keep the puck away from Milton's net and the Warriors were just getting started. The period ended with Milton ahead, 1-0.

In the second period, both teams struggled through various penalties involving slashing and hooking. Even though Barre tied it up, defensman McQuinn made sure the puck stayed mostly on the Barre side. Milton's second line, consisting of Perry, Burton, and A. Flynn, surprised many. What this line may lack in height they make up for in speed and puck pursuit. Center Creede Burton out-maneuvered many larger opponents with his outstanding control of the puck and quick footwork.

The third period was a nail-biter. Barre scored early in the third, but Eric Roy made a beautiful goal from the blue line, tying it up, once again. Barre then scored their third goal with only five minutes left on the clock. In yet another gutsy move, Milton coaches pulled Fersing from the goal and put Tyler Perry in to turn up the heat on Barre. The six Warriors pushed forward without hesitation as Perry assisted Brendan Green on the final goal of the game, resulting in a tie, 3-3.

The Milton Full Ice mites will play their next home game at Gutterson Field against long time rivals Essex, Sunday, Nov. 18 at 7:00 a.m. Come see this talented young team, wear your blue and gold and get ready to be entertained. All are welcome to attend!