The win came in front of a capacity crowd of 800 at the New Tec Rec Complex, including a large contingent of Penetang fans who made the trip down to Alliston.
The Hornets held the lead for the entire game beginning in the first period when Kurtis Brossard scored on a short-handed shift and went one-on-one with Kings’ netminder Chris Daniels. Brossard went to the left and used the backhand to put the first goal on the scoreboard.
Brett Eeles got the second Alliston marker when he muscled his way around a Penetang defender and fired a shot that dropped into the top left corner of the net. It was the only goal of the second period.
Penetang's Kevin Imhoff, scored the Kings’ only goal with 3:36 remaining in the third.
When Alliston was nailed for a penalty with two minutes left in the game, the Kings made the logical move and pulled their goalie to put six attackers out in a bid to tie it up and force overtime. They didn't score but it was probably the most intense 90 seconds of the series.
Both teams turned out a solid performance in the first two frames with a couple of hot goalies that made some saves that sent a ripple of excitement through the charged-up arena.
"I think that during the first period both teams are fresh, and there was a lot of smart hockey," Hornet captain Robbie Rutledge said after Wednesday's game. "When we came out in the second we capitalized on a lot of chances but we missed a few. But Jonny (Poretta) made some great saves. He stood on his head for this game and really kept us in it. In the playoffs it's all about powerplays and penalty kills. We tried to keep it up in the third and win the battles, if you get a chance to get the puck out, you get it out."
Game four of the series will take place tomorrow night (Fri., March 14) in Penetanguishene with the puck drop scheduled for 8:30 p.m. The Herald will be providing updates as the game is played right here on www.allistonherald.com. The series returns to Alliston on Sun., Mar. 15, for game five. The action is scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets are once again being sold in advance and should the Hornets win Friday on the road, you can be they’ll be tough to come by as everybody will want to be on hand for what might be the biggest celebration since the last time the Hornets won the league championship 24 years ago. Tickets are $8 for adults, and $6 for students and seniors. They are available in advance at the New Tecumseth Recreation Centre customer service desk.
Game six if needed, will take place in Penetanguishene March 18, at 8:30 p.m., and game seven is back at the New Tec Rec March 20 at 7:30 p.m.
