Windsor Loses Battle of Goaltenders Against Belleville Sunday Afternoon

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It was a wild finish this afternoon in Windsor. The Spitfires and Bulls went six rounds in a shootout, in which the Subban brothers sealed a victory for Belleville. Malcolm Subban only allowed one goal, while his brother Jordan scored the shootout winner for the Bulls as Windsor fell 2-1 in the low-scoring, high-intensity battle at the WFCU Centre.

The 5392 loyal Spitfires fans in attendance were energetic throughout the entire game. They were loud and cheered on their hometown boys.

With the crowd immensely behind them from the drop of the puck, the Windsor Spitfires started the period with extra drive. Belleville had the first three shots though. The Bulls kept pressing for a goal, but the Spitfires got on the board first. Kerby Rychel scored his 11^th goal of the season after Nick Ebert’s slap-pass went off the end boards, to him. He finished the play with a slap shot of his own that beat goalie Malcolm Subban. Shortly after the Spits grabbed the lead, they took a couple penalties that resulted in a 5-on-3 for the opposition. Like they did the rest of the game, they maintained a strong defense and killed off the two minors. By the end of the period, after being outshot 12-5 earlier, the Spits had caught up and nearly evened the shots. Belleville had a 13-11 advantage in the shot department, but the important numbers showed Windsor’s 1-0 lead after the first period.

During the second, Windsor continued its solid defense, notably from Brandon Devlin, Patrick Sieloff and Saverio Posa. Sieloff had another impressive game, despite being taken out heavily into the boards. Devlin halted a 3-on-1 and stepped up against Sieloff’s hitter. Posa saved a goal after Pavelka made the initial stop, and ended up out of position. The Spits forced the Bulls to the outside and reduced their chances; they took some hits while doing so. Belleville managed to hit the post several times, and had many opportunities that slid through the blue paint. However, after two periods of play, Windsor was still on top 1-0.

Chances were exchanged by both teams in the final period. The Spits hit the post just after getting a power-play. The Bulls responded later with a post of their own. After getting plenty of opportunities, the Bulls finally got one, with just over five minutes to play. Michael Curtis’ short one-timer had enough force to hit the bar and bounce back. After reviewing the play, the shot was determined as a goal as the puck hit the back bar, and not the cross-bar. With time running out in the period, the Spits created pressure, which was countered by pressure from the Bulls. The buzzer sounded to end regulation and both teams prepared for overtime.

After a scoreless five minutes of overtime, the two teams got ready for the shootout. To begin, the Bulls sent out Joseph Cramarossa. He came close to putting the puck in by sliding it through Pavelka’s legs, but also through the crease. Back and forth, the players skated, while the two goalies went save-for-save. Derek Schoenmakers had the opportunity to win it for Windsor as the third shooter, but the opening between the pads was quickly closed by Subban. Back and forth again, the teams tried for the go ahead goal.

In the sixth round, it was Belleville’s lone shootout goal that was sufficient to secure the win, and complete the comeback. Jordan Subban’s shot off the cross-bar was fortunate enough – unluckily for the Spits – to bounce downward and off of Pavelka, into the net. Windsor’s shootout record now worsens to 0-4 on the season.

The Spitfires are not back in action at the WFCU Centre until Thursday, November 15^th when they face the Saginaw Spirit.