RedHawks blank Mets to even series 2-2
The Fort Erie Meteors dropped a 4-0 decision Tuesday at Cambridge. File photo: BERNIE PUCHALSKI
It is back to square one for the Fort Erie Meteors and Cambridge RedHawks.
The RedHawks defeated the Meteors 4-0 Tuesday night at the Galt Arena Gardens to even the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League best-of-seven quarter-final playoff series 2-2.
The Mets took the first two games of the series before the RedHawks rebounded to win the last two.
Fort Erie general manager/coach Nik Passero left no doubt what he felt to be the difference in the game.
“I think the refs imploded and we imploded at the same time,” he said. “They (Cambridge) were diving all over the place and we couldn’t figure it out that they were just diving and getting calls. The first goal shouldn’t have been a goal and the rest is history.
“I expect more out of my group, especially being here before, but at same time you’ve got to realize they are 16 to 20-year-old kids and the adults around the rink messed up tonight and it is what it is.”
The Meteors went 0-for-9 on the power play and were whistled down for 24 minutes in penalties on eight infractions.
The RedHawks were called for 38 minutes in penalties on 11 infractions but took advantage with three goals in six opportunities with the man advantage.
Passero said he couldn’t help but support his charges.
“It was negligence what was happening out there tonight. Someone’s going to get hurt, obviously,” he said. “That’s my biggest thing. When the refs allow that stuff to go on, someone’s going to get hurt. You know, I’m just there to stick up for the guys and even their team because the refs missed calls on us multiple times. It’s just the way of the land right now.”
The Meteors now need to regroup for Game 5 at home Thursday.
“We worked hard enough throughout the year to make sure those two games are in Fort Erie,” Passero said. “So we’ve got to just push the pace here. I think we’re a little banged up, but we’ve got to get healthy and we get to come home and play in front of our crowd on Thursday and hopefully have a better effort.”
Fort Erie leading scoring Sam Tonelli did not dress for the game but Passero indicated everyone would be available Thursday.
Following a scoreless first period, the RedHawks took control of the game with four goals in a space of less than 10 minutes in the second.
Josh Kaufmann had two goals while Seth Huygen and Cameron Fries added singles.
Lennart Neisse made 30 saves for the shutout.
John Lloyd faced 30 shots in goal for the Meteors.
Game 6 is Saturday in Cambridge. Game 7, if necessary, would be Tuesday, April 1 at Fort Erie.
In other series, Brantford Titans lead the Ayr Centennials 3-1 and can advance to the semifinals with a win in Game 5 Thursday in Ayr.
The Port Colborne Sailors and Caledonia Corvairs are tied 2-2. Game 5 is Friday in Port.
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