Russell Cup Playoffs 2012-13

Rattlers Russell Cup Champions

The Bradford Rattlers are the 2013 Russell Cup Champions. After earning a perfect record through the regular season and sweeping the first three rounds in the playoffs, Bradford defeated the Temiscaming Titans 6-2 in game six of the finals to win the Russell Cup. This championship is the third in the club's history and the first since 2008.

Conor Smith was the team's strongest player in game six. Smith was arguably the Rattlers top forward through the regular season, but had struggled through most of the playoffs. The two year veteran stepped up huge when he needed to, scoring three goals for the Rattlers and being named first star of the game.

Alfred Metz played outstanding in goal. Expected to be taking the back-up duties through the series, Metz stepped in after game four and put forth strong efforts in every game. Alfred was named second star of the final game after turning away 25 shots. Goal scorers for the Rattlers included: Smith (3), Gurfeldt, Gallo and Dino Gombar.

Reviewing play-off scoring for the club, Illes Gallo led the way with 44 (22-22-44) in 16 games. Bergman and Forslund each had 15 goals to finish second and third respectively in team scoring. Alfred Metz ended the playoffs 7-0-0 with a 1.09 GAA, .964 SV% and three shutouts.

The coaching staff of Head Coach Johan Lundskog, Associate Head Coach John Duco and Assistant Coach Mike Telford could not be more proud of this group of young men. The organization would like to thank their extremely supportive fans, sponsors, billet families and all members of #RattNation as this journey could not be made possible without your assistance.

The team will be posting an photo album with all of the team's pictures from the victory in the upcoming days. Thank you all for the great season!

#RattNation

 

---

 

 

 

 

The GMHL will enter the 2012-13 Russell Cup with 15 teams, all of whom have made the playoffs. There will be two divisions based on geographical alignment: North and South.

The North division will have an uneven seven teams, meaning one team from the North will be taking a 'bye' past the opening round of playoffs. This leaves the remaining teams to be matched up from 2nd-7th, 3rd-6th, etc, for the first round of playoffs. The South will have 1st-8th, 2nd-7th, etc, match-ups. The second round will have an even eight teams remaining, four per division; the teams will be re-seeded and matched up within their division in reference to their regular season position.

North:
1. Temiscaming Titans 
2. Bracebridge Phantoms
3. South Muskoka Shield
4. Powasson Eagles
5. Rama Aces
6. Sturgeon Falls Lumberjacks
7. Mattawa Voyageurs

South:
1. Bradford Rattlers
2. Bradford Bulls
3. Toronto Attack
4. Orangeville Americans
5. Shelburne Red Wing
6. Bobcaygeon Bucks
7. Toronto Moose
8. Lefroy Wave

The Temiscaming Titans have opted not to accept the 'bye' past the first round, meaning they will be playing the Mattawa Voyeguers in the first round. The Bracebridge Phantoms have accepted the 'bye' and will automatically advance to the second round of playoffs. This leaves the following match-ups. Respective schedules for each series can be found on gmhl.net:

North:
Temiscaming Titans -  Mattawa Voyeguers
South Muskoka Shield - Sturgeon Falls Lumberjacks
Powasson Eagles - Rama Aces

South:
Bradford Rattlers - Lefroy Wave
Toronto Attack - Bobcaygeon Bucks
Bradford Bulls - Toronto Moose
Orangeville Americans - Shelburne Red Wings

It will take four rounds of play-offs to determine the 2012-13 Russell Cup Champion. Rounds must be completed within the dates stated below..The following format will be followed:

First Round: Best 3 out of 5
(Feb. 19 to Feb. 27)

Second Round: Best 3 out of 5 
(Feb. 28 to March 8)

Third Round: Best 4 out of 7 
(March 9 to March 20)

Final Round: Best 4 out of 7 
(March 21 to April 1)

Sean Werth, GMHL Staff