JV Quarterfinal Game

Period Length

The game started off as you would expect between two closely matched teams, with each side trading shots. The first period was particularly close, as each team managed six shots apiece. It was Riverview who was able to "break the ice" first, scoring a shorthanded goal on a breakaway just a minute after taking a hooking penalty. Grabbing a 1-0 lead four minutes into the game was just the start that the Ice Sharks were looking for. Manatee took a penalty just three minutes after the Riverview goal, but the Ice Sharks were unable to take advantage of having the extra attacker on the ice. With just over two minutes to go in the period, Manatee would convert a Riverview turnover into their first goal of the game on a shot that hit the top corner of the net. That tied the game at one goal each. With just 23.6 seconds remaining, Manatee was given a prime opportunity to take their first lead, as a Riverview penalty resulted in a penalty shot. Thankfully the Ice Sharks goaltender was up to the task, stopping the shot cold. The first period would come to a close with the two teams tied at one goal each.

Manatee was all over the puck in the second period, and they would complete a pass through the crease that was tapped in past the Ice Sharks goaltender less than two minutes in. That would give them the lead for the first time. Manatee would outshoot the Riverview squad over the period's 13 minutes by a total of 8-4 margin, but that goal would be the lone one scored.

Down by a 2-1 score entering the third and final period, the Riverview Ice Sharks poured it on in an attempt to tie the game. They would outshoot the Hurricanes by 12-6 over the course of the period, but despite some good looks they just couldn't find a way to get the puck in behind the Manatee goaltender. To make things worse, Manatee widened their lead after Riverview failed to clear the zone. A backhanded shot snuck past the Ice Sharks goaltender, making the score 3-1 with just under five minutes to play. Overcoming a two goal deficit is a daunting task, but the Ice Sharks didn't give up. They continued to attack, and eventually pulled their goal to have an extra skater on their side. Unfortunately it wasn't enough, and the Riverview squad came up short in their inaugural season's playoff game.

Here's looking to big things next season! Go Ice Sharks!

Lightning High School Hockey League - Junior Varsity Quarterfinal Game

Riverview Ice Sharks vs. Jesuit Tigers

The Lightning High School Hockey League logo on the center ice scoreboard...

...which also advertised the reason for our visit to Amalie Arena - the Junior Varsity Championship!

The board between levels was also advertising the 2021 LHSHL JV Championship.

Before the game the team gathered for a couple of Riverview Ice Sharks team photos...

The Ice Sharks gathered in front of their net before starting the game.

Drew taking control of the puck and turning up the ice.

Drew reaching out to try to disrupt a Manatee pass.

Drew dishing out some punishment...

...along the boards.

Drew circling with the puck behind the Riverview goal.

Drew making a quick change in direction while following the action.

Drew skating through center ice with the puck.

Drew watching the action as he makes his way towards the net.

Drew working the crowded area in front of the net while trying to get his stick on the high-flying puck.

Drew and his teammates going after a loose puck.

Drew watching as a shot sails wide of the net.

Drew going after the puck behind the Manatee net.

Drew battling for the bouncing puck (against his former Florida Everblades teammate)...

...and getting a backhand shot on net.

Drew taking a faceoff for his team.

Drew picking up a loose puck behind his team's goal.

Drew taking a faceoff...

...before passing the puck back to a teammate.

Drew flexing his stick while taking a shot on goal.

Drew leading his team down the ice while carrying the puck.

Drew skating with the puck down the ice once again.