April 9, 2010
Deseronto 'storms' Shield in Game 7 of the Russell Cup Final!
April 9, 2010
Exactly one year ago, the Deseronto Storm watched the South Muskoka Shield celebrate their first-ever Russell Cup victory in game six of
'08-'09 Championship Final in Deseronto!
One year later, the Storm exacted their revenge over South Muskoka with a convincing 4-2 win in front of the Shield's home crowd, taking the 7th and deciding game of the Final, and their own Russell Cup crown!
Played before a record GMHL crowd in excess of 1,500 fans, the Storm took a commanding 3-0 first period lead and never looked back.
Andrew Bobas opened the scoring in the 6th minute, followed by Kyle McRae in the 9th minute to put the Storm up 2-0. When John Sweet added a 3rd on a rebound at 15:14 to put the Storm up 3-0 heading into the first intermission, you could sense the massive crowd was more than concerned for the Shield's chances.
After a scoreless 2nd, in which the Shield started to take it to the visitors, outshooting the Storm 26-9, the home crowd finally had the chance to make some noise when Adam MacBeth scored early in the third to get the Shield back in the game and provide a glimmer of hope.
However, despite the pressure the Shield were able to sustain, Deseronto's Brad Edwards scored unassisted with less than 6 minutes to play to regain the 3 goal lead, and virtually seal the deal for the Storm.
The Shield would get one late to make it 4-2 with their Goaltender Sutherland pulled for the extra attacker, but in the end, it was too little, too late! The GMHL's first 7-game Final series was in the books, and the league has a new champion - the Deseronto Storm!
Congratulations to both teams on fine seasons, to the Shield on a stalwart attempt to defend their title, and to our new champions, the Storm! What a way to finish season four!
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NEWS AND NOTES:
- Thanks to the town of Bracebridge for their cooperation in accommodating the Shield in their playoff run after Centennial Arena in Gravenhurst was closed for renovations, and to the good people of Bracebridge for their support of the Shield and the GMHL. We hope you enjoyed the experience and will continue to be involved in our league. (Then again, maybe some folks have had their eyes opened to the possibilities! Can you say Bracebridge Junior A Hockey Club?)
- The Storm hockey club didn't come alone to game seven last night - they brough 150 or so of their most ardent supporters! There were two full busloads of Storm fans, not to mention an assortment of individuals who made the 4 hour plus journey in their own vehicles to cheer their boys on to victory!
- This concludes the GMHL's fourth season, and in the end, enormous advances have taken hold in regards to parity in the league, to the level of officiating in the league, and overall, in the faith that many have in the league's ability to provide a quality product, and continue to send players on to the next level. Artem Podshendyalov being signed by the Ottawa Senators to their minor league affiliate, the Elmira Jackals, is the latest example, but there's more news to come with regards college, Major Junior, and pro opportunities. Stay tuned!
- With the addition of the Russian Red Wings in Shelburne next season, the GMHL is currently set at 12 teams for the 2010-11 season, but there are other possibilities in the works that could alter that number even further.
- April 15 will see the 2009-2010 GMHL Awards decided - votes are being submitted and tabulated as we speak.
- Keep an eye on team and league websites for upcoming news as tryout season is now upon us.
- May 1st and 2nd is the next big weekend for the Greater Metro Jr. A Hockey League. On May 1st, the GMHL will host its Award Presentation Dinner, preceded earlier in the day by a friendly golf outing. May 2nd will consist of our Annual General Meeting, followed the annual GMHL draft, held one month earlier than in the past.