Jubilant 12U Lady Knights improve record to 2-1-1

After losing their season opener to Hamilton, 8-0, the Amherst 12U Lady Knights have found their stride. Last Saturday, the Lady Knights defeated Etobicoke, 3-2. Sam Johnson opened the scoring with six seconds remaining in the first period. Johnson added another goal in the second period with assists from Toni Warnick and Emily Certo.

Caitlin Mitchell scored what was to be the game-winning goal with four seconds remaining in the second period on a beautiful breakaway.

Etobicoke scored two goals in the third period, but their efforts to tie the game were thwarted by strong defensive play and great goaltending.

Sunday's game against Stoney Creek proved to be another nail-biter for Amherst.

The game remained scoreless due to great goaltending on both ends of the ice until halfway through the third period when Stoney Creek scored. Amherst worked tirelessly, peppering Stoney Creek's goalie but to no avail.

Finally, with 1:45 left in the game, Amherst pulled their goalie for an extra attacker. Emily Certo fed a beautiful pass from behind the net to Stephanie Pickard, who stuffed it home to tie the game. The Lady Knights skated away jubilant with a hard-earned 1-1 tie.

On Sunday, the 12U Lady Knights defeated Niagara Falls.

Amherst scored first when Katie Koestner knocked in a rebound from Caitlin Mitchell. Mitchell increased Amherst's lead to 2-0 on a breakaway, beating the goalie with a blistering shot over her right shoulder. But Niagara Falls didn't let up and Maddy Utz made some awesome saves.

After many attempts, Niagara Falls got one past the netminder on the glove side. However, Amherst answered right back when Mitchell stole the puck in Niagara Falls' end and scored an unassisted goal to give the Lady Knights a 3-1 victory.