Six Nations Rebels vs. Welland Vesuvius Warlords (OLA Jr. B)
vs. 
Fans who did not recognize either team Thursday evening could be forgiven, as the Six Nations Rebels arrived clearly strengthened in comparison to their previous meetings with the Warlords this season, having added several Jr. A-calibre players in their lineup, whereas the Welland Vesuvius Warlords were hampered by an injury-depleted roster. What resulted could most kindly be described as a mismatch.
The Warlords, who until recent times, have impressed nearly everyone with their competitiveness, simply lacked the discipline (particularly the forwards) and work ethic (nearly everyone) tonight which have allowed them to be successful against all comers this year. While there were a few exceptions to this rule, such as the play of #21 Brad McConnery on defence, and #89 Jordy Daradick and #27 Kevin Floris offensively, the Warlords as a whole did not appear at any point in the game to be prepared to take on the Rebels tonight.
The Rebels did not waste any time showing why they are an undefeated 17-0, as #97 Jesse Sault struck only fifty-six seconds into the game to stake the visitors to the early lead. #89 Jordy Daradick would score his first of two on the night to tie the game just over five minutes in, however, the rest of the game went by virtually uncontested. Daradick’s second goal of the night, his seventeenth of the year, would pull the team within two with just under five minutes to play in the opening period, but the final outcome of this game was never in much doubt.
Welland’s power-play suffered in the absence of catalyst #18 Tyler Tanguay, going 0-for-10. The team expects to be without the services of Tanguay for the rest of the season, unless they manage to have an extended playoff run.
Captain of the Rebels #82 Stu Hill marshaled his team to victory, picking up Player of the Game laurels on the strength of a two goal, four assist performance. Daradick received the corresponding honour for the Warlords on the basis of his output of a pair of goals for the home side.
#20 Torrey VanEvery recorded four goals tonight for the visitors and also picked up four assists, amassing an impressive eight points. Others marking up the gamesheet for the Rebels were #99 Cody Johnson with a pair and #66 Alex “Kedoh” Hill, #10 Kraig Maracle, #48 Chancy Johnson and #9 Andy Jamieson each with singles. Contributing assists during the contest were #66 Hill with three, #99 Johnson and #21 Jordan Johnson with two apiece and #7 Jeremy Johns, #10 Kraig Maracle, #12 Russell Longboat, #18 Randy E. Johnson, #19 Ryley Johnson and #89 Randy Johnson with lone helpers.
#27 Kevin Floris would respond with a short-handed marker for Welland, while #8 Mackenzie Abbott would set up two strikes and #5 Ira Sowden one. Six Nations found much success with the extra-attacker Thursday evening, converting 6-of-13 chances.
The Warlords were assessed 43 minutes of infractions to the Rebels 37. #9 Andy Jamieson and #15 Walter Lumsden went toe-to-toe in the game’s only true fight during the first period, however, the nastiness continued throughout the game with several Rebels players taking liberties with their wooden sticks seemingly at will with the Warlords offering little in the way of resistance or retaliatory actions in kind. Backup netminder, #35 Brennor Jacobs made an appearance in relief of the seemingly weary #39 Connor Danko and was deliberately run without any reaction from the Warlords on the floor or bench.
The Warlords, winless in their last three, hope to regain some positive traction against Elora in their final regular season road contest on Sunday evening before returning to the Rose City to play their final regular season home contest versus the Hamilton Bengals on June 20 at 7:30pm, a night which is sponsored by the Welland Forge.
Tonight’s 50/50 winner took home a cash prize of $175, while other lucky fans were awarded prizes such as VIP passes to Merrittville Speedway, vouchers to the Heaping Spoonful, the Express Cafe, and the next Warlords home game, as well as a T-shirt thanks to the generous support of our loyal sponsors the Heaping Spoonful, Herc’s Muscle Shop, Merrittville Speedway and the Express Cafe.
Rink Rat Rants 