Rattlers Resume Winning Ways
(Bradford, ON; January 16, 2012)
By: Sean Werth
Following the longest losing streak in the Bradford Rattlers history, the club rebounded with three huge wins this past weekend. The Rattlers defeated the Shelburne Red Wings, Toronto Canada Moose, and first place Sturgeon Falls Lumberjacks on back-to-back-to-back nights.
On Friday, Bradford made the trip down highway 89 to Shelburne to take on the Red Wings. The Rattlers managed to snap their four game losing skid with a 6-0 victory over the 10th place club. Swedish net minder Viktor Ahlund got the start for Bradford and Shelburne’s all-star goalie Anton Todykov stood between the pipes at the other end. Ahlund improved his record to a perfect 3-0, but he also picked up his first shutout as a Rattler and was named 2nd star of the game. Nicholas Baldassarra was Bradford’s biggest offensive threat that game, scoring a hat-trick.
The next night Bradford continued their road-trip, facing off against the Toronto Canada Moose. Despite trailing 4-3 with 15 minutes remaining the game, Bradford was able to walk away with a 6-4 victory. Bradford outshot Toronto 47-29, with Travis White grabbing 3 goals in the victory. Bradford was without all-stars Thommen and Nueneker whom did not dress that game.
In the final game of the weekend, the first place Sturgeon Falls Lumberjacks came to Bradford’s barn for a Sunday evening game. Bradford upset the Lumberjacks, taking the game 7-6 in regulation. Sutherland was able to turn aside 52 shots to shutdown the high-flying opponent. Travis White’s 4 point performance was instrumental in the victory. Andreas Norrby and Nicholas Baldassarra put up 3 points each in the victory.
Shayne Salmon and Alexander Drulia were able to score their first goals of the season over the weekend. For Alex, it was the first of his junior hockey career.
Bradford continues their season next weekend with games against Deseronto and Shelburne. The Rattlers will be looking to improve upon their 23-4-2 record and rise above 4th place.
In GMHL news, two former GMHL players have been ranked in the upcoming 2012 NHL Entry Draft. South Muskoka Shield Alumnus Nikita Jevpalovs has been ranked 86th
overall for European Skaters and former Innisfil Laker's goaltender Clint Windsor has been ranked 20th for North American Goaltenders.
For the full article, go to www.gmhl.net
