Idyllwild’s proud hockey Dad Brian Smith submitted this account of last week’s Wildcats game:

Last weekend, the Wildcats started their playoff bid for the 2016-2017 season. In game one, the Wildcats faced the Anaheim Jr. Ducks. Three minutes into the first period, the Jr. Ducks scored their first goal of the game. With 3 minutes, 30 seconds to go in the period, the Jr. Ducks scored a wrap-around goal, ending the period 2-0.

The Ducks started the second period scoring two goals in the first 30 seconds. Four minutes later, they added another goal to go up 5-0. With four minutes, 30 seconds to go in the period, Scott Hommel scored an end-to-end goal to put the Wildcats on the board. Two minutes later, the Ducks added another goal, ending the period 6-1.

In the third period, there were scoring chances on both ends, and with three minutes to go, the Ducks scored for a final score of 7-1.

In game two, the Wildcats played the Pasadena Maple Leafs. The Wildcats started off strong, but there were no goals in the first period. With just under five minutes to go in the second period, the Maple Leafs scored the first goal of the game. The Maple Leafs scored again in the final second of the period.

With six minutes, 30 seconds to go in the third period, the Maple Leafs scored to go up 3-0. The Wildcats had many scoring chances, but were unable to find the back of the net, falling to the Maple Leafs 3-0.

After the first two losses, the Wildcats found themselves in a must-win situation for game three against the California Heat.

In the first period, the Wildcats again started strong, dominating the play through most of the period. Then the Heat got a 3-on-1 break and scored the first goal of the game. Midway through the second period, the Heat scored again to go up 2-0.

With no goals in the third period, the Wildcats were held without a goal for the second straight game, ending their chances to advance to the second round of the playoffs.

The Wildcats will have a few tournaments to play from now until the next regular season starts in September. We appreciate everyone who sponsored Idyllwild’s Adam Smith and the Wildcats this season.