Mite Minor 'AAA' splits doubleheader with Brampton Battalion

The Amherst Mite Minor "AAA" travel hockey team hosted the Brampton Battalion for a doubleheader battle on Jan. 20. Each team claimed one victory for the day.

Brampton 3, Amherst 1

The first meeting proved to be a heated physical contest. Neither team was able to solve the other's goalie during the first period.

Brampton's first goal resulted from a five on three advantage late in the second period. Elijah Roberts was able to lift the puck from the outside and find the back of the Amherst net to give Brampton a 1-0 lead. With 6.3 seconds remaining in the period, Caleb Hannon made the initial save on a shot by Brampton, but Samuel Duchesne was able to put away the rebound goal and give Brampton a 2-0 lead.

Brampton's Zack Tatiana earned Brampton's final goal early in the third period. Amherst's lone goal resulted from the efforts of Nate Berke, with the assistance of Blake Flanders.

Amherst 3, Brampton 2

The teams traveled to Dann Memorial Rink for the second pairing of the day. It was all about the goalies in the first period as Caleb Hannon was able to stonewall a Brampton breakaway early in the battle.

The Brampton netminder was also impressive as he thwarted strong attacks by Adam Batz and Ryan Sidorski.

The lone goal of the first period came with one second remaining on the clock.

Amherst's Frankie Sciolino took a far shot on the ice to beat the Brampton goalie when he was down. Amherst closed out the period with a 1-0 lead.

Camden Lock had a hard shot on net early in the second period that bounced off the pads of the Brampton goalie. Linemate Adam Batz was there to sink in the rebound goal and give Amherst a 2-0 lead.

Brampton continued to fight back as its goalie stopped an attack by Nate Berke. Amherst defenseman Jordan Martin showed his hustle as he made the moves necessary to bust up a two-man attack on the Amherst net.

Brampton's first goal came off a breakaway by Brandon Fisher late in the second period. Amherst's Devin Kasperek was also responsible for breaking up a Brampton breakaway to hold Amherst's 2-1 lead.

Amherst fought hard to maintain its lead. However, Brampton's Matthew Pigat put a crimp in the game plan as he tied it up 2-2 late in the third period. Amherst quickly regrouped and reclaimed its lead a mere 14 seconds later after an inspired top-shelf goal by Colton McKenna.

Throughout the day, Amherst showed its resiliency as it battled against a depleted roster and altered its game plan to rise to the challenges of the day. Amherst defensemen Mark Gilbert rose to the occasion as he was called upon to play out as a forward. Amherst's victory over Brampton resulted from an all-around team effort.