February 22, 2010

Elliot Lake are crowned Regular Season Champions at season's end!

Monday, February 22, 2010

 

It was almost 6 long months ago that the 2009 - 2010 GMHL season started in earnest, with Deseronto visiting Beaverton and defeating the much improved Brock Bucks 8-4.

 

This past weekend, the GMHL just completed its fourth regular season, by far its most interesting season to date, and this year's playoffs appear to be no less interesting. 

 

Let's review how things have transpired these last few days.

 

-> Congratulations to the Elliot Lake Bobcats, 2009-2010 Regular Season Champions, clinching the title with two lopsided wins over Oro-Medonte.  The Cats will have to wait for the conclusion of the Qualifying Round to find out their Quarter-Final opponent;

-> South Muskoka defeat Deseronto in the final game of the season to take second place, moving the Rattlers to 3rd for the first time in their history;

-> Algoma suffers vital defeat at the hands of Oro-Medonte, opening the door for King to move into the Quarter-Finals after a win over Toronto, and forcing the Avalanche to play the Qualifying Round;

-> Avalanche begin GMHL playoffs with 6-2 win over Powassan, moving Algoma into the Qualifying Round Best of Three Final, which must be concluded by Friday;

-> All other QF matchups set -  South Muskoka will face King, Bradford will take on Brock, and Deseronto and Innisfil have been established as first round opponents for some time.

 

Realistically, past seasons have seen a limited number of legitimate contenders, but with the parity in the league this year, any one of 8 Quarter-Finalists have a chance to cause some upsets and go on a roll right to the Russell Cup Final.

 

Congratulations to all teams on a fine season, best of luck in the playoffs, and once again, congratulations to the Bobcats for their first-even regular season title.