Falcons complete sweep of Panthers
Aiden Berry is dialled in and his timing couldn’t be better.
The 19-year-old netminder recorded his second consecutive shutout as the St. Catharines Falcons blanked the Pelham Panthers 2-0 Tuesday night on home ice to sweep their best-of-seven Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League quarter-final playoff series 4-0.
Berry made 28 saves for the shutout, but wasn’t going to spend too much time dwelling on his stats.
“It always feels good but I don’t like to hang on to the good games too long because I don’t like to hang on to the bad ones too long,” he said. “To be honest, a win is a win, whether it’s 10-9 or 2-0. That’s all we are looking for is a win and the guys played really well in front of me too.”
Falcons coach Tyler Bielby had high praise for his netminder.
“I’m pretty sure he hasn’t let a goal in in 60 shots,” Bielby said. “I don’t care what’s going on, that’s not easy to do. That’s two games in a row he has played really well.”
Berry joined the Falcons at the trade deadline from the London Nationals and was entrusted with the starting role, replacing Josh Johnson, who was moved to Ayr.
Berry had a few hiccups along the way but said the support of his teammates was crucial as he settled into his new surroundings.
“At the start I wasn’t playing my best hockey,” he said. “It was mostly up in my head but these guys were so supportive I want to give them my best. I couldn’t ask for a more supportive group. They give me the confidence I need to go out and play my game.”
Berry was thrilled when he got the news he was joining the Falcons.
“It was a no-brainer. The Nats were getting another goalie and there was an opportunity here. I heard so many great things. I’m so glad I made the choice. It’s been an awesome experience.
“It was my first time out of London but my first time in the room it was like I was best friends with these guys for years.”
Bielby understood how difficult it was for Berry coming to a new team.
“Especially when you’re in first place and the guy who was here before had a lot of wins. It’s a tough position for him to come in,” Bielby said. “He’s a great kid and the dressing room is so strong it built up his confidence.
“It’s like he’s been here for four years.”
The Falcons won the first two games of the series by a combined 17-3 margin before winning the final two games by 2-0 scores.
“I just finished telling the guys not to take winning a playoff series for granted,” Bielby said. “Sometimes players go their whole junior career without winning one, same at the pro level. Enjoy it and get ready for the next round.”
Bielby tipped his cap to the Panthers.
“There’s nothing harder than trying to send 20-year-olds home. You could see that. When the final buzzer went you could see (Pelham captain Jason) Gee and what this game means to him.
“The third one is always a very important one and the fourth one is always the toughest to close out and I think they gave us their best effort which will help us for the next round.”
Berry also respected the Panthers’ effort.
“Their backs were against the wall and they proved they were ready to keep playing and gave us a good fight. I have a lot of respect for them. They did everything they could,” he said.
The Falcons will now wait for the remaining series to conclude before ramping up for the semifinals.
Meteors 1 Canucks 0
The Fort Erie Meteors took a 3-1 lead in their series with the Niagara Falls Canucks with a 1-0 win at Niagara Falls Wednesday.
Josh Smith made 27 saves for his third straight shutout of the series.
Brad Ditillio scored the game’s lone goal early in the third period.
Game 5 is Wednesday in Fort Erie.
Kilty B’s 2 Junior Canadians 1
Nathan Phillips and Brodie McIntyre scored as the Hamilton Kilty B’s took a 3-1 lead in their series with the Welland Junior Canadians.
Jack Ryan had the lone Welland goal.
Game 5 is Thursday in Hamilton.
Falcon facts: Jonah Boria (suspension), Cal Reesor and Cam Lowe did not dress for the Falcons . . . Falcons forward Cam Knight celebrated birthday his 20th birthday Monday.
Falcons 2 Panthers 0
St. Catharines goaltender Aiden Berry with 28 saves for his second consecutive shutout.
St. Catharines Falcons: Joshua Singh (2); Blake Yetman (2).
Pelham Panthers: No scoring.
Game stats: Shots on goal: By St. Catharines on Logan Slou (26), by Pelham on Aiden Berry (28); Power plays: St. Catharines 0/3, Pelham 0/3; Penalty minutes: St. Catharines 6, Pelham 6.
Attendance: 402.
Up next: The Falcons advance to the semifinals which will begin next week.
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