History of the A's

The Second Period Blues

THISTLES SCORE NINE GOALS IN SECOND, EDGE A’S 12 – 10 

The St. Catharines Standard 

Wednesday July 20, 1955 

The second period blues, a malady that has cost St. Catharines Athletics at least three victories this season, struck again last night. After building up a commanding 5 – 1 lead in the first period, the Athletics suddenly faltered midway in the second. From goaltender Justin Howe through the entire roster, every wearer of the double blue jersey suddenly became a victim of the jitters and the Fergus Thistles were quick to recognize the symptoms.  

Led by their husky and competent playing-coach Jerry Fitzgerald, the Thistles struck hard and often. In exactly five minutes and 22 seconds the wide-awake Thistles scored seven goals and then coasted in with a 12 – 10 victory to keep on the heels of the Athletics for the coveted second position in the final standings. 

A’s Looked Sharp 

In the first period the Athletics, with perhaps their strongest line-up of the season in uniform, played an exceptionally strong game. Their passes were letter perfect, they were firing with precision when in range of the net and built up a commanding 5 – 1 lead. At no time in that first period did they seem in any danger of losing the game. 

The two clubs traded goals twice early in the second but then the A’s, for no apparent reason, collapsed.  

Don Gear cut the St. Catharines lead back to 7 – 3, then in rapid succession the Thistles scored six more. Justin Howe, who had made many sensational saves in the first period and early in the second, “whiffed” on at least four as Fergus fired from well out and their shots nestled in corners and just under the cross bar. 

Uphill Fight 

Trailing 10 – 7 going into the third period the Athletics returned to their better type of lacrosse but as so often happens when behind, nothing broke right. 

Jim Robertson, Fergus goalie enjoying his best season of lacrosse after several years with Hamilton and former Thistle teams, got his big pad in front of 10 St. Catharines shots, many of them “desperation” drives from well out. 

Paul Landoni and Jim McMahon matched goals early in the third, and then Al Garbutt and McMahon traded another pair. 

With less than five minutes remaining Les Howard caught a low corner to give the A’s hope, but led by the solid “Fitz”, Fergus literally “ate the ball” for the remaining moments to protect their edge. 

Boxla Roundup…Jerry Fitzgerald was top for either team, scoring three goals, all in the big Fergus second period…The Thistles and Athletics have a queer record this year…Both teams have won two, lost one record on the home floor of the opposition…The A’s had both Jim McMahon and Ken Croft in their line-up for the first time at home…McMahon had two goals, also suffered a cut lip and tongue…Croft had several good chances but failed to score…The A’s travel to Peterborough Friday, then have Hamilton Tigers or Lincoln Burners (take your choice) here next Tuesday…Many fans described the first period as the best they had seen the Athletics play this year…The second they’d rather forget…Ross Powless was in the audience but didn’t play…He hopes to sign two or three junior players from the Norsemen to the Lewiston intermediate club when the Norsemen have completed their junior schedule. 

Fergus Thistles: goal, Robertson; defence, Fitzgerald, Halls; centre, Hill; forwards, Watkins, P. Landoni; alternates, D’Amico, Carter, Sibbald, Garbutt, L. Smith, Gear, R. Landoni; sub-goal, Killinger. 

St. Catharines Athletics: goal, J. Howe; defence, Teal, Moore; centre, McMahon; forwards, Frick, D. Smith; alternates, T. Howe, Welch, Croft, Allen, Corcoran, Howard, O’Hearn.

Referees: Lou Vipond, Weston; Carson Myers, St. Catharines.

 First Period

Penalties: Sibbald (major, slash) 10:32, D'Amico (disobedience) 10:32, O'Hearn (slash) 16:31, Watson (slash) 17:30, Fitzgerald (slash) 18:02

Second Period

Penalties: O'Hearn (slash) 6:06, O'Hearn and Garbutt (majors, roughing) 18:04

Third Period

Goal stops: by Robertson (10-13-10) 33; Howe (7-12-3) 22

RETURN