Royals win streak ends at four

Team Unity’s Intermediate Synchronized Skating Team performed during the first intermission of the Royals 3-1 loss to Seaforth on Saturday night. The team has been together for six seasons and is made up of 18 dedicated skaters. They competed in Montreal in November and Woodstock in December where they earned fourth place. The team is coached by Tara Wilkins and Lauren Holdsworth, and managed by Lori Hartman and Candy Adam. Contributed photo

By Lee Griffi

In a game that could have easily gone either way, Tavistock dropped a 3-1 decision to Seaforth, the Royals’ first loss since Dec. 7 of last year.

Despite the loss, they remain in a tie for third place with Minto.

Drew Gerth scored his 10th of the season on a setup from Patrick Vulgan and John McDonald. The powerplay goal came with less than four minutes remaining in the first period, but the Centenaires would tie it up just two and a half minutes later thanks to a solo effort from Cam Daigle with the man advantage.

Daigle, just 21 years old and in his rookie Ontario Elite Hockey League (OEHL) campaign, spent the last four seasons with his hometown Stratford Warriors of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL) where he picked up 163 points in 185 games.

After a scoreless second period, Carter Collinson gave the visitors a 2-1 lead before Daigle added his second of the game into an empty net with just under one minute remaining. Collinson’s goal also came on a powerplay.

Tavistock was outshot 30-23 as Grahm Noye kicked out 28 shots in a losing effort.

Royals veteran Drew Gerth said, despite the loss, the team is confident as playoff time approaches.

“It was a tough game, but splitting the season series with a top team like Seaforth is a solid outcome. They definitely took advantage of their powerplay, and that ended up being a key difference. But overall, it shows we're right there with one of the best teams in the league, and we can compete at that level.”

He added the team could use some tweaking, mainly with the man advantage.

“Overall, I thought we played hard and well enough to win. For us, we know we need to work on our own powerplay to make sure we’re converting those key opportunities. There are definitely areas to improve, but with everyone clicking and tightening up a few details going into playoffs, we’re going to be a tough team to beat.”

Next action for Tavistock is Saturday night when they host the Lucknow Lancers. It’s Ladies Night, meaning women get free admission and will be entered in a draw for a gift card from Tera Nova Nordic Spa. Game time is 7:30 p.m.