Epic Battle in Ohio

There is no way around it the Jamestown Jets and Wooster Oilers have developed a heated rivalry one that is sure to heat up more in the next month and of course in March as the playoffs role around.  This past weekend was the latest installment one that certainly lived up to its billing.  Saturday’s contest was a physical affair in which the much older Oilers squad used an abundance of power plays and a rare shorthanded goal to eventually down the Jets 5-2 on Saturday.  The Jets would head to the locker room after the 1st period tied 1-1 as defensemen Bruce Statton netted a pair of goals.  The second period started rough as the Jets found themselves in penalty trouble however Jets net minder Rick Hennard was outstanding keeping the potent Oilers at bay until the midway point of the period when #5 banged in a rebound to give the oilers the lead for good.  Hennard was by far the star of the game as he turned aside 52 out of 57 Oilers shots.  The Oilers net minder stood tall as well making 45 saves.  The Jets lost the services of All Star Defensemen David Moore in the 3^rd period and were also playing without one of their leading scorers Nate Hughes who is day to day.  One other bright spot was newly acquired Nick Donovan a long time Oiler who was making his first trip to Wooster in a visiting uniform.  Anxious to make an impact his presence was felt from the get go especially on Saturday as his energy carried over to his new teammates.  Even with the energy the visitors would trail heading to the room after 1 period as an errand shot found it’s way past Rick Hennard  making his second straight start in as many nights.  The staff was very pleased with the period “any time you can go on the road and play a sound period and only allow one goal thru 20minutes you’ll take that every time” said Coach Canfield.  The second period continued to be gritty and much like the night before the Jets would be on the short end trailing by a score of 3-0 heading into the 3^rd.  The Jets had their chances but were unable to find the back of the net often missing opportunities or not getting the bounces.  However, luck is when opportunity meets  hard work and preparation which is exactly what the Jets used to get back into the game in the 3^rd period.  A late bench penalty cost the Oilers a power play as the 3^rd period began 4 on 4.  Using the space given shifty winger #9 Daniel Denitton swung off the wall and fired a shot past the Oiler net minder getting the Jets on the board.  It was the lift the Jets needed as the momentum swung in their favor.  The Oilers would then find themselves in penalty trouble as  minutes later the Jets called time out with a 5-3 man advantage and the faceoff deep in the Oilers zone.  Their timeout paid off as they would win the draw and score as #15 Bruce Statton tallied his 3^rd of the weekend cutting the lead to 3-2. The Jets had the Oilers on their heals all period long however were unable to get the equalizer and the game would end 3-2.  “ I was very pleased with our effort this weekend especially playing without two of our top players.  It was good hockey from both ends I’d expect nothing less from both organizations” said Coach Canfield.  The Jets will now return home to face off with the Philadelphia Thunder both Friday and Saturday night @ 7:35 PM.  It’s CCYHA Hockey/Local Hockey Weekend.  CCYHA players get in free if they wear their jersey and are accompanied by a paying adult.  $1 of the tickets sold to these parents will be donated by the Jets back to CCYHA.  For more information please visit www.jamestownjets.com or call the arena 484-2624.