Falcons top Mets for eighth win in a row
Chris Reid has turned his season around thanks to some heart-to-heart chats with St. Catharines Falcons coach Tyler Bielby.
The 17-year-old forward had a couple of dry spells earlier this season — he had stretches of five and eight games in a row without scoring — but took Bielby’s advice to work harder on defence and the goals starting going in.
Reid collected a goal and an assist as the Falcons defeated the Fort Erie Meteors 7-3 in a Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League, Golden Horseshoe Conference action Friday night at the Seymour-Hannah Sports Complex.
It was the eighth win in a row for the Falcons who improved to 24-3-2. Their .862 winning percentage is first overall in the GOJHL.
Reid, who had 15 goals as a rookie last season, already has 10 this year, including three in his last two games.
“Honestly, I give all the credit to Ty,” Reid said. “He talked to me a bunch of times and said I had to focus on defence more and something he said clicked with me and now I’m just back in the groove.”
Bielby feels Reid’s game is still rounding into form.
“Chris is a great kid,” Bielby said. “We’ve had him for two years and he wants the right things for himself, he’s just still learning how to do it. Through a lot of communication, we’ve challenged him.
“Tonight there were a couple of goals by that line, but what stood out for me is one of his backchecks. That’s how Chris is going to be a complete player. He’s starting to take pride in the defensive side of his game and as that comes together, he’s going to be fun to watch.”
Reid has been playing recently with rookie Parker Forlin and veteran Cam Knight on an effective unit.
“I like to generate chances for others to score but if I get the chances, I’m 100 per cent I want to put the puck in,” Reid said. “It’s always fun to play with Forlin and Knighter. I love playing with them.”
Bielby said Knight came to him after the second period Friday with an observation about his younger linemates.
“Cam Knight told me when they decide to play they’re so good,” Bielby said. “I told him you 20-year-olds need to remind them of that every day.”
The Falcons’ win was the fourth in a row over the Meteors this season.
“I thought we were opportunistic tonight and when we got our opportunities we made sure to put the puck away,” Bielby said. “I thought there were still some inconsistencies but Fort Erie is a good team. When we want to be average or take our foot off the gas, they’re going put the pressure on and make you grip that stick a little tighter.
“It was a bit of a testament to Nik (Passero). He’s got them rolling so they’re going to keep working.”
The Falcons led 2-1 after one period, then opened things up and took a 5-2 lead after two.
Fort Erie scored early in the third to narrow the gap to 5-3 but Nate Shirton’s second of the night at 7:11 with the man advantage swung the momentum back in favour of St. Catharines.
The Falcons are in Port Colborne Saturday to take on the Thorold Blackhawks in the final game for both teams before the Christmas break.
The Blackhawks blanked the Niagara Falls Canucks 5-0 Friday as Christian Lynch made 28 saves for the shutout.
Liam Wicks had two goals while Liam Loftus, Nathan Kelly and Callum Cheynowski added singles.
Fort Erie coach/general manager Nik Passero was unhappy with his club’s effort.
“I don’t think we had the effort all the way around,” Passero said. “I don’t know what we were, honestly. We had a good week of practice and I’m very disappointed with our effort and our resolve.
“We just weren’t good enough. We have to drag our butts over the finish line and we haven’t done it yet.”
Falcon facts: St. Catharines defenceman Cal Reesor and Fort Erie forward Josh DiFrancesco dropped the gloves in the first period for a rare tussle.
Falcons 7 Meteors 3
Falcons forward Nate Shirton.
St. Catharines Falcons: Shirton 2 (14, 15); Kyle Glenney (14); Chris Reid (10); Parker Forlin (7); Jonah Boria (7); Lucas Tuin (2).
Fort Erie Meteors: Brad Ditillio (18); Joseph Macchione (14); Luke Gualtieri (1).
Game stats: Shots on goal: By St. Catharines on Nolan Lane/Josh Smith (36), by Fort Erie on Josh Johnson (28); Power plays: St. Catharines 2/3, Fort Erie 1/3; Penalty minutes: St. Catharines 21, Fort Erie 21.
Attendance: 441.
Up next: The Falcons visit Thorold in Port Colborne Saturday at 7:30 pm. The Meteors are home to Pelham Saturday and in Pelham Sunday afternoon.
Dear reader. If you liked this story or one of the 4,700 other stories found on our website, please consider hitting the Support Us button on the right-hand side of our home page and making a PayPal contribution to our website. Your support would be much appreciated. If you are a business owner, please consider advertising on our site. Our rates are reasonable and we provide plenty of exposure for your business. Contact bpotrecz@outlook.com for more information.
