Flyers Face Tough Stretch with Mixed Results

Ryan McGee, who has 18 points in 34 games, faces off against a Bulldog.

The Goderich Flyers endured a difficult week, playing five games in eight days against strong divisional opponents.

The stretch featured three road games and two at home, and while the Flyers showed flashes of promise, inconsistency and special teams struggles continued to plague the team.

Despite a resilient effort in some games, the Flyers ended the week winless, leaving them searching for answers. Here’s a look at the past week:

January 11: Kincardine Rolls Over Flyers, 6-1

The Flyers opened the week on the road against Kincardine and were overwhelmed by the Bulldogs.

Kincardine took control early with two first-period goals, including a power-play tally by Bryce Martin.

Goderich’s lone goal came in the second period, with Nate Bloemberg scoring his ninth of the season, assisted by Carson Stutzman.

Kincardine dominated the third period, adding three more goals, as Christian DeJong made 34 saves before being replaced by Tomas Brintnell, who stopped all 10 shots he faced in relief.

January 12: Flyers Fall Short in High-Scoring Battle with Fergus, 10-6

The Flyers fought hard in a wild game against the Fergus Whalers but couldn’t overcome a rough start.

Fergus jumped out to a 6-1 lead in the first period, capitalizing on defensive breakdowns and power-play opportunities.

Goderich showed grit, scoring five goals in the second and third periods, including two from Bloemberg and one each from Aidan Terpstra, Sawyer Olmstead, and Kaeden MacDonald.

Fergus outshot the Flyers 54-31 and maintained their offensive edge throughout the game.

January 15: Mitchell Dominates in 8-1 Win

Goderich struggled to match Mitchell’s speed and depth in an 8-1 road loss.

Mitchell scored three goals in the first period and added four more in the second before the Flyers managed their lone tally from Ryan McGee in the third.

Tomas Brintnell started the game in net, making 18 saves before being relieved by Christian DeJong, who stopped 11 of 14 shots. A match penalty assessed to Carson Stutzman early in the second compounded the Flyers’ challenges, giving Mitchell extended power-play time.

January 17: Flyers Falter Late in 5-2 Loss to Walkerton

The Flyers put forth a solid effort in Walkerton, keeping the game close before faltering late.

Kaeden MacDonald opened the scoring for Goderich in the first period, and Ayden Hakkers added a shorthanded goal in the second to give the Flyers a brief lead.

Walkerton responded with three unanswered goals, including an empty netter, to seal the victory.

Christian DeJong made 29 saves on 33 shots, while Goderich registered 32 shots but struggled to capitalize on opportunities.

January 18: Mitchell Shuts Out Flyers, 5-0

The Flyers were blanked at home in a rematch against the Mitchell Hawks. Mitchell opened the scoring late in the first period and continued to control the game, adding two goals in the second and two more in the third.

Goderich’s power play went 0-for-6, and Christian DeJong made 32 saves in net but couldn’t hold off Mitchell’s relentless attack.

Despite some physical play and a spirited effort, the Flyers couldn’t solve Mitchell’s goaltender and suffered their fifth straight loss.

Upcoming Games:

• Friday, January 24 – Goderich @ Mount Forest – Mount Forest and District Sports Complex – 8:30 p.m.

• Saturday, January 25 – Hanover @ Goderich – Goderich MRC – Postponed

• Saturday, February 1 – Wingham @ Goderich – Goderich MRC – 8 p.m.

• Sunday, February 2 – Goderich @ Fergus – Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex – 3 p.m.