Green Gaels Victorious In Home Opener
It wasn't pretty but the Green Gaels opened up their 2023 OJBLL Season with a win Thursday Night. The Game was played over on Pad B to accommodate the Clarington Eagles who have made it to the Final Four in PJHL playoff action requiring the Ice to stay in just a little longer.
Craig Johansson would get his first ever start for the Green Gaels and was a huge difference maker turning aside 30 of 35 shots faced. The rookie tender looked a bit off to start the match allowing 4 goals over a stretch of approximately 12 minutes. He would go on to allow only one goal in the second and completely shut the door for his team in the third.
The Gaels were missing several regulars due to other commitments and relied heavily on call ups and rookies to get the job done. Ethan Lee would open the scoring for the Green Gaels, followed by goals by Carson Christie, Kai Kimura, Kaleb Tatarek (with back to back goals) and Max McPherson. The Gaels would lead 6-4 after 20 minutes.
The Green Gaels Goaltending and Defense was heavily relied upon come the second period as the only goal would be scored by Orillia. The Gaels led 6-5 after 40 minutes.
As previously stated Johansson would completely shutdown the Kings in the third. Two goals from Owen Lee, as well as both Ethan Lee and Carson Christies second of the night would seal the deal for the Gaels.
The Gaels who take the game by a final score of 10-5 are now off until Wednesday when they hit the road to battle the West Durham Ironheads. That game is an 8pm start at the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex in Pickering.
Our next home Game is Thursday May 4th at 8pm when we host the Brampton Excelsiors. That game will be taking place on Pad B of the Garnet B Rickard Complex in Bowmanville.