The Xpertek Hockey News

That's hockey
Lemay nets winner in high-tempo afternoon affair

Ottawa -- If the OSMHL wants to do something about the quality of hockey played on its ice surfaces, perhaps it should schedule more Sunday afternoon matinees like the one that saw Xpertek HC do battle with Trains and Airplanes at Carleton University yesterday.

In what will go down as one of the most memorable games in Xpertek/Carver Communications history, the boys in white walked away with a hard-fought, hard-earned 2-1 victory in game that saw both teams trade chances right up until the final buzzer.

T&A opened the scoring and held onto the 1-0 lead going into the final frame. At that point, Xpertek HC's veteran experience kicked in and ultimately took over against the brash young team in black.

First, Bryan Bernard -- in his second call-up appearance of the season -- scored one of the most memorable goals in team history on a fake-and-bake dash up the middle in which he lulled the defender to sleep at the red line before setting himself up for a breakaway dangle to the top shelf.

"Been practising that move in my basement since I was a kid," Bernard said. "I'd strap on the roller-blades and motor my way around the cement floor preparing for a moment like that. The move had a little Jake the Snake Roberts to it, meaning that I put the dude right to sleep when I slowed down," he added.

Tony Lemay would score the winner later on in the period, burying a Marc Baril rebound for the go-ahead goal. The marker was a demonstration of brute strength on Lemay's part, as he was forced to carry a T&A defender on his back from the red line in.

"Sacrament, j'l'avais su l'dos depuis la ligne rouge. J'la méritais celle-là!"

After that, it was the Pat Lafontaine show, with the veteran French-Canadian netminder turning away T&A attackers at every turn. By no coincidence, Lafontaine's awesome performance came with an entire section of family watching from the stands, as the four p.m. start meant that his wife and kids could see that he really is as good of a goaltender as he says he is!

Now riding a three-game win streak, Xpertek HC next takes to the ice on Sunday, November 30, back to reality with an 11 p.m. start.


THREE STARS
1. Bryan Bernard -- Killer move makes him a spare worth calling back
2. Pat Lafontaine -- Stellar goaltending performance... again
3. Brett Kubicek -- Steady play at both ends in return from injury inspires teammates to play hard