Slipped away

Some losses are hard to explain

The Dukes appeared to dominate the game. Cobourg hadn’t managed to gain entry to the Wellington zone until the Dukes took a high-sticking penalty. The Cougars scored on their first shot on net. A few minutes later, another Dukes’ penalty. Another Cobourg goal.

But still, the Dukes controlled the play. They looked confident. And when Ryan Schaap scored on a Dukes’ power play, it seemed that balance was being restored.

But Wellington got stuck in the second period, back and forth up and down the ice. The Dukes could not, would not find a way to score. Even a four-minute power play man advantage failed to deliver the tying goal.

Instead, late in the frame, another Dukes’ penalty. Another Cobourg power play goal.

Coming out in the third, Captain Corey Jewitt attempted to grab his team by the collar and pull them into this match. Seconds into the period, Ryan Castle led the breakout with a long pass to Ryan Schaap. Shot. Rebound. Jewitt pounced. Goal.

Now, the Dukes were flying. But nothing. Midway through the final period, Cobourg scored again.

It would be easy to say that penalties cost the Dukes this game—but the energy wasn’t what it needed to be. Not consistently. A lesser team came to Wellington and stole a game.

The Dukes’ only other game slated for the weekend was cancelled due to an ice issue in Milton.

UP NEXT: NORTH YORK
The Rangers have struggled mightily this season, with just four wins in 34 starts. North York isn’t losing just tough matches; the team is losing to weaker teams in the OJHL. They haven’t won a game in December.

A track record like that makes a team desperate. Dangerous. The Dukes received a reminder of what a lacklustre effort produces last Friday. They will be eager to finish 2024 on a different note.