Port Colborne vs. Welland (12/8)

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Port Colborne State Farm Sailors vs. Welland Convergys (Niagara District Bantam Local League)

The Welland #3 Convergys bantams pulled away to a comfortable lead in the final period to earn a convincing 5-1 home victory against the visiting Port Colborne #2 State Farm Sailors in their recent Niagara District Bantam Local League tilt.

Welland looked hungry right from the opening faceoff as #17 Dylan Pupo threatened with an excellent scoring opportunity in the first minute of play.  Teammate #12 Eric Robert would pull the trigger on two shots late in the period, with both just narrowly missing the mark, keeping Convergys off the board during the opening period of action.  Port Colborne edged Welland in shots by a 7-6 margin in a very evenly played first period of action.

Convergys enjoyed a power-play opportunity minutes into the second frame that allowed them to get on the scoreboard first.  #6 Jeremy Stortz drilled a shot on net that was tipped just inches wide by the forward in net on the first great chance with the man advantage, and then #12 Robert threw a pass from behind the net directly onto the tape of #17 Dylan Pupo’s stick, who made no mistake, banging it home at 3:21 for a 1-0 Welland lead.

The Sailors responded at 5:08 when #2 slipped one past #3 Jordan Larente while on the breakaway to tie the game at one.  Welland didn’t wait long to restore their one-goal advantage, as #4 Robert Widmeyer converted on a #17 Pupo pass seconds later for a 2-1 home lead.  Pupo’s strong play continued as he rushed down the right wing with 7:10 remaining and released a shot that clanged off the post.

Convergys put another powerplay marker on the gamesheet, with #13 Louis Pierotti bulging the mesh from the slot area at the three minute mark of the final period.  Fifteen seconds later #15 Justin Duguay ended up in a heap behind the Port Colborne goal, but the puck had already ended up across the goal line for a 3-1 advantage.  The Sailors netminder #1 foiled #6 Jeremy Stortz on two point-blank shots nearly five minutes into the period to give his team a chance at getting back into the game, but Welland would just keep pressing for more.  #17 Pupo would record another goal on a pass from #5 Kyle Moreau at 8:04, and #12 Robert would close out the scoring with a tally at 12:50.  #8 Brett Murray would find iron with two minutes left, as the right post would get in his way of getting on the scoresheet, after a solid shot on goal.

#1 Bradley “Brick” Wall would be tested in the final minute of play, as #16 of the Sailors skated in on a breakaway after both Welland defenders fell on the play.  Wall made an excellent save to put the stamp on Welland’s 5-1 victory.

Convergys would outshoot the Sailors 34-24 and capitalize on 2-of-4 powerplay situations, while playing a penalty-free disciplined game.  The team will close out a busy week with games tomorrow in Pelham and Saturday in Merritton.

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Filed under 2007-08 Convergys Bantam House League Tigers, Sports Writing/Commentary

Tags: 2007-08 Convergys Bantam House League Tigers, Port Colborne Sailors, Sports Writing/Commentary