OHL Guelph Storm

Storm Strikes First in Series

March 23, 2012 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Guelph Storm News Release


Every quest has a beginning and for your Guelph Storm, they took an important first step on the road in Plymouth as they doubled up the Whalers by a 4-2 score.

The underdog Storm squad jumped out to a 3-0 lead and then withstood a rally by the number two ranked Whalers before icing the win with a late empty net goal. The victory gives Guelph a 1-0 series lead with the best-of-seven shifting to the Sleeman Centre for a 6:30 start on Sunday, March 25th.

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! Tickets are available on Saturday, March 24 in person at the Guelph Storm box office from 10 am - 2 pm or by calling or visiting Ticketmaster (CLICK HERE).

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).

Garret Sparks was the first star as he turned aside 45 of 47 shots. The Illinois native was at his best early in the final twenty. With the Whalers creeping within one, the home side fired the first 11 shots on goal in the third but couldn't manage the equalizer. Veteran defencemen Kyle Pereira and Stephen Gaskin, along with second-year blueliners Matt Finn and Andrey Pedan were also difference makers in the victory as they played virtually every minute against the OHL's second highest scoring club and handled it well.

The Storm took the game to the Whalers in the early going before Plymouth replied with a few quality scoring chances of their own. Scoreless through much of the frame, rookie Jason Dickinson gave Guelph a lead that they wouldn't surrender on the powerplay at 16:55 after two Plymouth defencemen collapsed on Frank Menard in the slot and Scott Kosmachuk's shot attempt bounced to the Georgetown all alone beside Wedgewood.

1-0 with twenty in the books, Guelph doubled their lead moments after the faceoff courtesy of a lucky bounce. Brock McGinn scored his first of the series with a backhand from behind the net that hit Wedgewood's right leg and trickled over the line. Down two, the Whalers didn't help themselves with three straight minor penalties. Guelph would capitalize on the powerplay again and this time it was Pedan with a quick wrist shot from the point through a screen provided by Cody McNaughton that fooled Wedgewood. Late in the period, the Storm was poised to wrap up the win with another powerplay until Alex Aleardi streaked through the defence and flipped it over Sparks to breath life into his club.

The Whalers opened the third with a powerplay of their own and while Guelph killed off that opportunity, they weren't as successful when Plymouth earned a second straight man advantge. JT Miler, a first round pick of the New York Rangers, cut the lead to 3-2 only 3:18 into the frame and guaranteed a nervous finish for the Storm. Making his first career start in the OHL playoffs, Sparks was huge when he was needed the most. Despite four minutes of five-on-four during the middle of the period, Sparks and the Storm penalty killers held the Whalers off. Then late in the period with Wedgewood on the bench in favour of the extra man, Pereira lugged the puck out of the defensive zone and smartly banked it off the wall for Frank Menard to grab and snap into the empty cage for some breathing room.

Alex Aleardi with his shorthanded effort was second star while the Storm's Kosmachuk picked up third star honours with two helpers.

With a win in Plymouth, the Storm grabs home ice advantage away from the favoured Whalers. On Sunday night in front of the Sleeman Centre crowd, they'll need another all around team effort to hold off Plymouth before the series shifts back to Michigan on Tuesday.

TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE for all three games scheduled to be played in Guelph (Game 2, 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.

The Guelph Storm box office is open on Saturday from 10 am - 2pm for in person or phone orders at (519) 837-9690 and on Sunday from 12:00 pm - the end of the second period.

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 at Guelph, 6:30 pm, Sleeman Centre.

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



Ontario Hockey League Stories from March 23, 2012


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