Flyers drop three straight in tough week

The Goderich Flyers faced a challenging stretch, playing three games against top teams in the division from November 16 to November 23.

Despite strong efforts, the Flyers came up short in all three contests, dropping their season record to 4-14-0-2.

The team’s resilience was evident, especially in close losses to Hanover and Mount Forest, but inconsistent offense and special teams struggles continue to plague the Flyers.

November 16: Hanover Barons 3, Goderich Flyers 2

The Flyers hosted the division-leading Hanover Barons on November 16 and pushed them to the limit in a hard-fought 3-2 loss.

Hanover jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period with goals from Ryan Colquhoun and Mark McIntosh.

Goderich responded in the second with a power play goal from rookie Kaeden MacDonald, set up by newly acquired Nate Bloemberg, who was making his Flyers debut. Moments later, Kyle Smeltzer tied the game with his first goal of the season.

The Barons regained the lead late in the second period on a goal from Kyle Maloney, and despite a strong third period, the Flyers couldn’t find the equalizer. Logan Bromley made several key saves to keep the game close, stopping 48 of 51 shots in the loss.

November 17: Mount Forest Patriots 4, Goderich Flyers 2

A day later, the Flyers faced another top opponent, the Mount Forest Patriots, in a close 4-2 defeat. The game started poorly for Goderich, as the Patriots scored three goals in the first period.

Flyers’ goaltender Christian DeJong struggled early but found his rhythm and shut the door for the next 40 minutes, giving his team a chance to claw back into the game.

Nate Bloemberg continued his strong start with the Flyers, scoring his first goal for the team off a perfect pass from Ayden Hakkers early in the second.

Hakkers added a goal of his own on the power play in the third, but the Patriots sealed the win with an empty-net goal late in the period.

November 23: Mount Forest Patriots 4, Goderich Flyers 0

In a rematch with the Patriots on November 23, Goderich was unable to generate any offense, falling 4-0. Mount Forest opened the scoring early and added to their lead in each period, outshooting the Flyers 50-32. While the Flyers showed some life in the third period with 17 shots, they couldn’t break through the Patriots’ defense.

Logan Bromley made 46 saves in net, including several highlight-reel stops, but the Flyers couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities. The team’s power play went scoreless despite multiple chances, continuing to be a concern as the season progresses.

Final Thoughts

The Flyers showed flashes of promise throughout the week, particularly from rookie standouts like Kaeden MacDonald and new acquisition Nate Bloemberg.

However, inconsistent play and special teams struggles continue to hold the team back. With a busy stretch of home games ahead, the Flyers will need to turn things around quickly to stay competitive in the standings.

Game Results:

• Nov 16: Hanover 3, Goderich 2

• Nov 17: Mount Forest 4, Goderich 2

• Nov 23: Mount Forest 4, Goderich 0

Upcoming Games:

• Sat, Nov 30: Hanover @ Goderich – 8 p.m.

• Sun, Dec 1: Walkerton @ Goderich – 2:30 p.m.

• Sat, Dec 7: Wingham @ Goderich – 8 p.m.

• Sun, Dec 8: Kincardine @ Goderich – 2:30 p.m.