Falcons knock off Corvairs
It’s been a memorable week for Blair Coffin and the St. Catharines Falcons.
The 19-year-old netminder kicked out 29 shots in a 4-3 win at Hamilton Monday, then followed it up with an even more impressive effort Friday.
Coffin made 31 saves as the Falcons edged the Caledonia Corvairs 2-1 in a Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League, Golden Horseshoe Conference game at Jack Gatecliff Arena.
The loss was Caledonia’s first in regulation since the opening game of the season at the Showcase Tournament versus Listowel. They are now 21-2-0-1.
The Falcons, 17-6-2, have won six of their last seven games.
The Falcons made no attempt to hide their joy in knocking off the Corvairs, swarming Coffin following the game.
“It was something special,” Coffin said. “I’ve never beaten them in my whole career and I’ve played two years in this league.
“It was something else.”
Falcons coach Tyler Bielby couldn’t say enough about what Coffin means to the team.
“He’s a No. 1 goalie in different leagues other than this league. I have complete trust in him and I believe he’ll be there for us at the end,” he said.
Bielby believes knocking off the Corvairs goes beyond just picking up two points.
“I’m not going to downplay it, it’s a big win,” Bielby said. “These boys believe now. That’s why this game was so important to get a win, to know we can play with anybody in this province.
“It was a solid effort. They have a solid team and they’re well coached. I’m not taking anything away from them, they played a good game tonight.”
Bielby said the team presented him with the game puck following the win, but he would have none of it.
“I made it a point to put it back on the floor because it has nothing to do with me. They out-willed their opponents tonight. They wanted it more and I have every ounce of respect for the way they showed up tonight.”
Coffin loved what he saw from his teammates.
“I didn’t see a single guy take a shift off. It was back and forth the whole night. That’s a game you just love to be part of,” he said. “At the end of the day if we just do what our coaches set up for us, we should have no problem beating anyone in this league.
“We have the coaching staff, we have the players, we have the heart on this team. That’s what I love about this team.”
Adam Cherepacha gave St. Catharines a 1-0 lead 12 minutes into the first with a power-play goal on a breakaway before the Corvairs tied it four minutes later.
Nick Volpatti put the Falcons up 2-1 with his 10th of the season early in the second for the game winner.
Falcon facts: Carson Edwardson (suspension), Trent Glenney and Dylan Abbamont did not dress for the Falcons . . . Falcons defenceman Andrew Somerville left the game in the first period (neck stinger) . . . In Niagara Falls Friday, the Canucks (Matthew Riva 2, Andrew Bruno) edged the Pelham Panthers (Wyatt Thole) 3-1.
Falcons 2 Corvairs 1
BPSN Star of the Game: St. Catharines netminder Blair Coffin with 31 saves.
St. Catharines Falcons: Nick Volpatti (11); Adam Cherepacha (5).
Caledonia Corvairs: Nick Guinta (4).
Game stats: Shots on goal: By St. Catharines on Aiden Hughes (19), by Caledonia on Coffin (32); Power plays: St. Catharines 2-for-6, Caledonia 0-for-5; Penalty minutes: St. Catharines 12, Caledonia 14.
Attendance: 551
Up next: The Falcons are off until next Friday when they host Welland.
SUPPORT US
On the right side of our web site, you will notice a yellow SUPPORT US button.
We are asking anyone who finds value in our work and is able to financially help us to click on the button and contribute whatever amount you feel is appropriate and can afford. There is no set amount. Any amount is appreciated.
The funds collected will be used to enhance and offset the expenses of running the web site.
