By Colin Percy

John Foreman’s Norwich Merchant career high in goals is 12, a feat he accomplished last season. After 3 games this year, he’s already half way to matching that career high after he netted 4 goals in a Merchants 10-0 win over the Delhi Travellers on Friday night.

Norwich dominated the play in the first period, but Travellers goaltender Richard Little stood on his head stopping all 12 shots he faced in the scoreless opening frame. The second period was a whole lot different at least for Norwich. Simon Storoschuk buried his first goal of the season 2:46 into the period. Dan Gallagher made it a two-goal lead 33 seconds later. Foreman extended his goal scoring streak to 3 games when he buried his third of the season 2:23 later. Foreman scored again with 8:48 remaining and completed the Natural Hat Trick late in the second. Foreman would continue his hot play in the third period scoring his 4th of the night 6:16 into the final frame. Storoschuk scored 2:09 later. Dallagher, Blake Pow and Mason Cooper would all bury goals before the buzzer sounded as Norwich routed the Travellers 10-0. Pow (3), Cole Feeney, Adam Laning (2), Gallagher (2), Jake Luke (2), Mitchell Ryksen and Cooper had the assists for Norwich while Owen Hahn stopped all 16 shots he faced to earn his first career junior win and shutout. Norwich outshot Delhi 52-16 in the game and were impressive on the powerplay going 5 for 6. Norwich also went a perfect 4 for 4 on the penalty kill.

Norwich would hit the road Saturday night to take on the defending Doherty Division Champion Tavistock Braves. The Merchants fell behind a mere 46 seconds into the game. Tavistock would score late in the first period and add a third goal 8:43 into the second period. Cooper clawed one back for Norwich 1:29 later, but the Braves restored the 3-goal lead three minutes later. Gallagher would notch his 4th of the season with under 5 to play in the second. Norwich would hope for a comeback in the third, but it wasn’t to be. Their tires were deflated after a 5th Tavistock goal with 4:24 to play as the Braves took down the Merchants 5-2. Pow (2), Cooper and Storoschuk had the Norwich assists in the game while Tyler Gubesch made 32 saves in the loss. Tavistock outshot Norwich 37-36 in the game. Norwich were 1 for 5 on the powerplay and a perfect 4 for 4 on the penalty kill.

Norwich are back in action with a pair of home games to close out September. On Friday they host the 2-3 Ayr Centennials at 8pm in a game sponsored by the Upper Thames Brewing Company. 4 varieties of their beer are available for purchase in our blueline club. On Sunday, Norwich will host Round 1 of the Battle of 59 against the Woodstock Navy Vets at 2pm. This will be the first time the teams have met since Woodstock eliminated Norwich from the playoffs in a double overtime thriller Game 5 last February. Woodstock currently sit 1-2 on the young season and host Burford on Friday night before visiting Delhi on Saturday night. Sunday will also see Norwich host a potluck dinner in the blueline club following the game. Fans are invited to attend the meal and bring their favourite dish along if desired as well.

OVERTIME

The Norwich Merchants have a bunch of events on the horizon. In addition to Sunday’s potluck dinner, the team will be holding their annual Meet the Players Night on Friday October 12th when they host the Paris Mounties at 8pm. Their will be prizes for all kids and autograph sheets available for everyone. On Friday October 26th, the team host New Hamburg at 8pm. Karaoke will be taking place in the blueline club following the game. On Saturday November 17th, the team hold their fall fish fry. Tickets are

available from all Merchant executive members for $30/person. You can also call or text 519-532-6704 for tickets.