OHL Guelph Storm

Whalers Cruise Past Storm to Cut Series Lead

Published on March 28, 2012 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Guelph Storm News Release


It became evident early in Game 3 that the Whalers' veterans were not happy about being down two games to none against a young Storm squad. Third-year forward Stefan Noesen led the way with two goals and three assists as the Whalers rolled to a 7-1 victory Tuesday at Compuware Arena, cutting the Storm's series lead to 2-1. The series resumes on Thursday night in Guelph for Game 4 at 7 pm.

The home crowd is never more important than do-or-die games in the playoffs... and Round One Rush is back so that fans can pack the Sleeman Centre and cheer their Storm into the second round!

Round One Rush is in effect for the first round of the 2012 post-season giving Storm fans the opportunity to enjoy the excitement of OHL Playoff hockey for only $12!

The 'Rush' is on... but don't miss your chance to buy early because if you wait until the day of the game, TICKET PRICES WILL INCREASE BY UP TO $10 PER TICKET (SEE BELOW).

Special teams were the story of the night, as Plymouth scored five power-play goals, including two in the first ten minutes of the game which helped secure an early 3-0 lead. Early on, it looked like the Storm had opened the scoring on a deflection by Brock McGinn, but upon video review it was determined that the puck didn't quite cross the goal line. Moments later, with Tanner Richard serving a high-sticking minor, Noesen gave the Whalers their first lead of the series by positioning himself in the slot and burying a cross-ice feed from Rickard Rackell.

With the Storm down 3-0 and scrambling to stay in the game, Scott Kosmachuk connected for a power-play goal at 13:54, which cut the deficit to 3-1. Kosmachuk's second of the series was a gutsy effort, as he fought through traffic and banged home the rebound on Andrey Pedan's shot from the point. For the second time in the period, video review was needed but this time it was clear the puck had crossed the goal line. The goal energized the Storm, who fought back to outshoot the Whalers 15-14 in the opening frame.

In the second period, the Whalers came out firing on all cylinders and opened up a 6-1 lead on goals from Tom Wilson, Michael Whaley and Andy Bathgate. The experienced Whalers were able to draw four power-plays en route to outshooting the Storm 19-8 in the middle twenty.

Whalers' over-age forward Andy Bathgate capped the scoring with his second of the night, depositing a nice feed from Noesen at 11:41 of the third period. Bathgate, grandson of the Biltmore Madhatters legend of the same name, now has four points in the series' first three games. Aside from Noesen and Bathgate, the Whalers received multi-point efforts from five others, including defenceman Austin Levi, who bounced back from a minus-3 effort in Game 2 to contribute three assists Tuesday.

The Storm didn't go quietly into the night, as Tyler Bertuzzi scuffled with fellow rookie Matthew Mistele and each received five minute majors for fighting. Despite the score, game 3 featured plenty of physicality, and Bertuzzi's late spark perhaps provided a preview of things to come as the series shifts back to the Sleeman Centre for Game 4 Thursday at 7pm.

TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE for both remaining home games scheduled to be played in Guelph (Game 4 and Game 6 (if necessary)). Game 6 orders must be purchased by credit card until the game is deemed necessary to facilitate refunds in the event that the game is not necessary.

Tickets can be purchased in person at the Guelph Storm box office in Old Quebec Street Mall, or call (519) 837-9690 to order by phone ($3.00 per order charge will apply to phone orders). Tickets also available through Ticketmaster (standard Ticketmaster charges apply).

PLYMOUTH-GUELPH SERIES DATES (series best four-of-seven):

Game 1 - Friday, March 23 - Guelph 4 at Plymouth 2

Game 2 - Sunday, March 25 - Plymouth 3 at Guelph 5

Game 3 - Tuesday, March 27 - Guelph at Plymouth, 7:05 pm, Compuware Arena.

Game 4 - Thursday, March 29 - Plymouth at Guelph, 7:00 pm, Sleeman Centre.

(*) Game 5 - Saturday, March 31 - Guelph at Plymouth, 7:05 pm, Compuware Arena.

(*) Game 6 - Sunday, April 1 - Plymouth at Guelph, 6:30 pm, Sleeman Centre.

(*) Game 7 - Tuesday, April 3 - Guelph at Plymouth, 7:05 pm, Compuware Arena

(*) if necessary.

'ROUND ONE RUSH' 2012 PLAYOFF PRICES

*GAME 2 "RUSH" PRICES END SATURDAY, MARCH 24TH

*GAME 4 "RUSH" PRICES END WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28TH

*GAME 6 "RUSH" PRICES END SATURDAY, MARCH 31ST

REGULAR SEATS ADVANCE DAY OF GAME

Adult $12 $22

Student/Senior $12 $19

Child (12 & under) $12 $15

CLUB SEATS ADVANCE DAY OF GAME

Adult $17 $27

Student / Senior $17 $24

Child (12 & under) $17 $20

VIP CLUB SEATS ADVANCE DAY OF GAME

All seat types $24 $34

Check out the Guelph Storm Statistics

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from March 28, 2012


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