Thunder and Lightning Collide - Deadlock still intactBy Brian R. Johnston
Wednesday, November 2nd, 2005 Brampton, ON -
What a difference a year makes. Last year's run-a-way Central
Division Champions, the Brampton Thunder collided with the former
perennial NWHL cellar dwellers, the Durham Lightning on Wednesday
night in a battle for supremacy and first place this year, at
the Powerade Centre. The collision didn't affect the standings
whatsoever as the teams played to an overtime tie at 3 - 3, leaving
both clubs deadlocked in first place. The teams combined for a
total of the Great One's number (99) shots on goal with the Thunder
holding a decisive edge of 58 - 41 over the Lightning.
Brampton's Lori Dupuis opened the scoring as she converted
a Karen Droog pass for her first of the game and same combination
struck again before the first period ended. Meagan Aarts split
those tallies to get the Lightning on the board as Kyla Gillespie
and Candice Moxley drew assists.
Joanne Eustace took over in the second period as she potted
two more goals for the Lightning, one at even strength and the
other on the power play. Latoya Clarke, Dawn McCauley and Teresa
Marchese were in on the Eustace goals. Desi Clark put on a clinic
in goal to stymie the Thunder who controlled most of the action,
but with absolutely nothing to show for their efforts.
The Thunder finally managed to knot the score with less than
nine minutes to play in the third period as Desi Clark had a hiccup
that opened the door for Sue Cleall's first goal as a member of
the Thunder as Coley Dosser assisted.
Both teams continued to throw everything they had at one another,
but to no avail. They headed to overtime once again with the score
3 - 3. It was day jus vous all over again as the last time these
teams met in Ajax the identical scenario existed.
While starting the overtime by playing 4 on 4 both teams had
their chances to put the game on ice but were foiled by outstanding
goaltending. With the Thunder in control, Dawn McCauley of the
Lightning was called for roughing with 1:12 left to play, putting
her team in a situation that could have been costly. The Thunder
while playing 4 on 3 were absolutely robbed by Desi Clark as she
was down and out but still managed to glove the puck before crossing
the line. As luck would have it, a goalies best friend came to
Clark's aid as the Thunder first hit the post and then knocked
the rebound off the cross bar prior to the final buzzer.
Both clubs will do battle once again this Saturday at the Powerade
Centre with a scheduled 7:30 p.m. start, where hopefully the deadlock
can be broken. © Copyright Brian R. Johnston
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