On Jan. 12, the Minto Bantam Reps traveled to Seaforth to compete in game one of a best three of five series.
With end-to-end play, the game remained scoreless after the first period. Period two saw an explosion of scoring from both teams. Seaforth got the first goal only to be matched by Minto as Hoover and Small got the puck to Hoffele, who tapped it in. Less than a minute later Ellis broke through, earning an unassisted goal and putting Minto in the lead. Seaforth came back strong, getting the next two and regaining control, but not for long though. Minto matched those two goals with two of their own when Ross and Hoffele each shot one between the pipes. Ross earned a hat trick in the third and Minto won game one with a final 6-4 score. Assist were credited to Underwood, Donkersgoed, Allen and Aitken.
Game two was played on Jan. 13 in Harriston. Ellis put Minto on the scoreboard early, only to be matched by Seaforth 20 seconds later. Minto pulled out ahead in the second with a goal from Aitken. A couple goals in the third by Allen and Hoffele secured the 4-2 victory. Earning assists were Reiner, Ross, Ellis, Shorey, Allen, Mercey, Hoover and Charlebois.
“Play as a team, win as a team” and that is exactly what the Bantams did on Jan. 16 in Seaforth. Scoring 2-3 goals each period and shutting Seaforth down, Minto won the game 7-1, taking the series with a three-game sweep. Pounding the puck in the net were Small (2), Ross (2), Leslie, Underwood and Riff. Assists were made by Donkersgoed (2), Hoffele (2), Aitken (2), Leslie, Small and Hoover.
The next series is for the WOAA championship against Wingham.
