Braves Break Ice with First Win, 3-1 over Centerville

The Talawanda Braves defense of the SWOHSHL Title that they have earned the past two seasons got off to the right start Saturday at the Goggin.  The Braves shaved some off season rust and neatly prevailed 3-1 over the Centerville Elks.

The Elks, a perennial rival, showed good early season puck control, but penalties and a stout Braves defense, proved to be the difference in the game.  Dan Atkin and Allen Dowler combined to turn aside 13 of 14 shots that they faced on the night.  A defense, led by veterans, Ben Eckhoff and Erik Humfleet, teaming with freshman additions, Zach Sens and Kyle Engel help limit the Elk scoring chances.

Offensively, the Braves tested the enemy goal with 28 shots.  Jake Jackson opened the scoring early, with a wrister at 1:24 of the first period.  Sens and Zach Martin earned their first high-school points, drawing assists on the even strength score.  The Elks came right back, scoring 15 seconds later with Joey Breslin muscling one past a defenseless Dan Atkin in the Braves goal. 

The Braves made good use of the power play in the second period, with Senior Drew Hoover scoring at 5:19 and again at 11:12.  Willy Davidge assisted on the third goal that provided ample insurance for the opening season win.  Dowler turned away all seven shots he faced in the third period to preserve the victory.

The Braves next action is Friday Nov 28^th at 1pm at the Goggin Ice Center in Oxford.  Talawanda will host the annual George DiPaolo Memorial Thanksgiving Tournament the entire weekend.