Manchester Tourney - Day 4 vs Trinity

Another game report from @ Chaimberg:

Jonathan Goff's goal with just over a minute to play was the game 
winner, as Hanover defeated the Trinity Pioneers 3-2 in the consolation 
game of the Manchester Holiday Tournament. Jake Acker and Gavin Ratliff 
also tallied, and younger brother Luke Ratliff was solid in the 
Marauder net.
Trinity opened the scoring at 9:47 of the first period.  Hanover had 
difficulty breaking out of their end, and a shot from the point 
resulted in a scramble in front of the Marauder net, with the puck 
eventually batted into the goal. A minute and a half later, Jake tied 
the score off a one-timer from the slot.  Gavin controlled the play as 
he circled behind the Trinity net, cycling with Gus Lyons, before the 
puck was fed to Jake.
One minute into the middle period Gavin scored an unassisted goal to 
give Hanover the lead, intercepting a Pioneer pass up the middle, 
skating into the slot, and throwing a backhander on net.  The shot 
handcuffed the Trinity netminder, and slowly trickled over the goal 
line.  Trinity looked to have the equalizer a few minutes later, but 
Luke made a remarkable save on what appeared to be a clear shot at an 
empty goal.  Shortly thereafter, a seemly harmless shot from outside 
the blue line caught Luke' shoulder and nearly rolled into the net.  
Hanover got into penalty trouble late in the period, when a too many 
men on the ice infraction resulted in a five on three advantage for the 
final minute.
With less than four minutes left in the match, and each team a man 
down, Trinity got the equalizer.  The Pioneers failed to convert on 
their ensuing power play, and it looked as thought the game might need 
to be  decided by a shoot out. But Jonathon's heroics, following up his 
own shot and poking the rebound through the Trinity goalie's pads broke 
the deadlock.  The Pioneers pulled their goalie for an extra attacker 
but were unable to get a good shot on goal.
All in all, a very enjoyable weekend that saw the Marauders improve 
during the tournament. We are all looking forward to how the team will 
fare in their rematch with Bedford on Saturday.

And, contrary to published reports, (Today's Valley News writeup, may require an online subscription) your loyal blogger didn't lace up his skates and sneak out on to the ice.  If he had, you'd all know where the term "bender" comes from!

And, in case you missed it, Memorial topped Bedford 3-1 to earn the tourney crown.  

Thanks to all who made the weekend possible - especially Coaches Dodds, Cashman, and Dodds who devoted a large chunk of their holiday weekend to making it a special event for the boys.

A well earned day off today, than back to the grind in preparation for Saturday's rematch vs Bedford.