Aurora took a 1 game lead in their series with Orangeville tonight in Aurora, defeating the Crushmen 7-2. All eyes were on Tiger goaltender Aaron Barton who hadn't played a game since being injured Jan 10th in Stouffville. Barton looked a little up tight at the beginning but settled down after allowing a goal at 9.57 of the 1st period. At the end of the night he had turned aside 19/21 shots and made several very good glove saves. Matt Beirnes was in the back up role tonight. With Barton back between the pipes the Tigers went on the offensive and took the game to the Crushers outshooting them 50 to 21.

Tonight's game also marked the return of Jordan Watts and Mike Morley, Watts scoed 1 goal and added an assist, while Morley came up with 1 assist. The only Tiger still on the limp is 6' 2", 215 lb defenseman Ben Heaphy. Heaphy should be able to go Saturday night in Orangeville or barring that, Sunday night in Aurora.

Big gun for the Tabbies tonight was Cody Smith who turned the "hat trick" bringing his total goals in the last 3 games to 5. No question, Smith is really starting to find his game after his knee surgery back in October. Mike McLaughlin with 2 goals and an assist and Jeff Harbach with 1 goal rounded out the scoring for the Cats. Other assists went to Thomas Evans (2), Sam Yearsley (3), Billy Siekris (2), Mark Mayea, Mark Thorburn and Nick Novak contributed 1 assist apiece. Scoring for the Crushers were Robert Visca and Colin Moberly. Crusher's high scoring forward Nick Vassos left the game in the 3rd period with what appeared to be a knee injury.

Nice to see the Tigers with nearly all hands on deck tonight, no question the Tigers will be tough from here on in. Game 2 of this series goes in Orangeville Saturday night at 7.30pm with the 3rd game back in Aurora on Sunday evening, game time 7.30pm.

Thanks for the good write up (as always).

I'm curious on attendance, how big of crowed was there?

if Orangeville and coach Hawerchuck ever had a chance to pull off a first round upset, hopes were dashed with this one.

In a short series (best of 5), a thrashing like that will play heavily on the minds of the Crusher players.

I think the task, for the Crusher players, is to make this series a lot more competitive and let the chips fall as they may.

If they do that, they can feel better about themselves.

I remember, not long ago, the fortune of the Orangeville team was dim, when they came into the league. Some forum fans were beleagured by their ineptitude. They have come long way.



Wayjoy

according to pointstreak there were 355 in attendance.