Feb 25, 2024 | Winterhawks News | 1039 views
Season Ends in Creemore
The Saugeen Shores Winterhawks saw their season come to an end in a Game 7 for the second consecutive season.
The Winterhawks couldn't find enough offence to keep up with the Creemore Coyotes in the series finale, dropping a 6-2 decision on the road on Saturday night.
Winterhawks fans travelled well, filling the small Creemore arena with about a 50-50 split in rooting interest.
It was a close checking game early on, with both teams understanding the importance of not giving up the opening goal.
Clayton Fritsch got the start in the Winterhawks net after helping the team to a Game 6 victory, and held Creemore off the board in the first.
The Winterhawks jumped out early in the second period, with Luke Pither opening the scoring at 4:27, from Andy Mitchell and Andy Fracz to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.
The lead was short lived, with Creemore jumping on a blown tire by a Winterhawks defender, sending Kris Dobinson in alone the other way. He made no mistake, knotting the score at 1-1 at 7:01.
The Coyotes grabbed the momentum from there, scoring twice just three minutes apart late in the period to take a 3-1 lead to the third.
The Winterhawks had some power play time early in the third period and got the score to 3-2 when Chad Jones continued his red-hot playoffs with a blast from the point 1:48 into the final frame.
As was the case with the first Winterhawks goal, the second one was also followed up closely by a Creemore response.
Ben Hughes scored just over a minute later to deliver the dagger, making it a 4-2 Creemore lead.
The Coyotes put it away late with a pair of empty net markers to arrive at the 6-2 final, taking the series in seven games.
The Winterhawks wish to thank all of our loyal fans and sponsors for their unwavering support this season, we are fortunate to have the best support in the league and it does not go unnoticed.
We will have news in the near future regarding the year-end banquet, as well as some changes to hockey operations.