ETOBICOKE, Ont. – After six straight losses to start the season, the Toronto Titans are now on a proud two-game unbeaten streak.
The midget team battled the Mississauga Senators to a 1-1 draw at the Westwood Arenas on Saturday night.
“We made some tweaks in the lineup and we like the looks of the top two lines,” Coach Jason Nobili said post-game. “As we work [Jake] Cella and [Cameron] Rayner back into the lineup and into game shape, they can give us another compliment to the other lines that way.”
Matteo Pecchia scored the lone Titans (1-6-1) goal early in the third period. The centre picked the puck up in the corner and walk out in front of the Sens (1-3-5) keeper, before sliding it in on the far side. It continues his recent goal-scoring tear, with his third marker in as many games for Toronto.
Toronto Titans forward Matteo Pecchia, at Westwood Arenas in Etobicoke, Ont. on October 29, 2016. (Ryan Andrews / Toronto Observer)
“I plan on driving the net and keep moving forward to keep this going,” he said after the game. “If me and my linemates [Owyn Palmer and Niki Molson] can keep using our speed and getting pucks to the net, that’s how we can keep this going.”
“He’s a guy that’s going to fill that [goal-scoring] role for us and hopefully he continues while the others guys find a way to contribute as well,” Nobili said.
Pecchia also had a goal disallowed in the second period due to goaltender interference.
Dylan Tower had another solid outing, allowing just the one goal. He now has a GAA of 0.50 in his last two games, and he attributes the improved performance to his work in practice.
“I’ve been bearing down, working on my rebounds and making sure I know where everyone is on the ice,” Tower said.
“We’re really happy with the way Dylan is playing and we like the competition we have between him and Connor [Winters],” Nobili said. “Even the games that we didn’t win, he’s played sound too, so hopefully it continues.”
The Titans had a golden opportunity late for the win. Cella had the puck alone on the doorstep but couldn’t control it properly and it was smothered by the Sens goaltender.
Titans with a hard fought tie 1-1 vs @MidgetSenators. Hardhat to Cella, Spartan to Pecchia. @GTHLTOTitans #titansmidgetaaa #torontotitans pic.twitter.com/9roe2xbILZ
— Toronto Titans Midget AAA (@TitansMidgetAAA) October 30, 2016
A late power play opportunity was left wanting when defenceman Riley Valade was called for cross-checking behind the play.
“I have to make sure I stay away from the silly business there and not get caught up in front of the net,” Valade said after the game.
Notes: Rayner played his first game since October 8th. He missed the past three weeks after sustaining a leg injury in the 4-1 loss to Markham … Cella also returned to the lineup after sitting out last weekend’s games against Vaughan and North York with an upper body injury.