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.
“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
— 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.