2016-2017 Cavalcade Bantam Rep | Mar 27, 2017 | dmarling | 4718 views
ALL-ONTARIO CHAMPIONS!!!!
They did it!The Cavalcade Ford Bantam Bears are All-Ontario Provincial Champions!With the final series split 2-2, this game 5 was a do-or-die, winner takes all, bring it or go home game.Stepping onto the ice it was clear.....
.....
the South Muskoka Bears were in awe of the sight before them.
Home ice advantage brought with it a community that stood tall for these 17 players. The packed arena was a testimony to a community that took a lot of pride in a team of 14 yr old boys who have worked tirelessly all year to get to this point. This monumental moment was acknowledged by hundreds of people who came to cheer knowing from their own hockey days the journey to get to this point.
The energy radiated through our old barn as the puck dropped, cow bells rang and horns were blown. Right out of the gate South Muskoka took control of this game. Owning the first few shifts for a game 5 that was dominated by the Bears. Outshooting the Rock 30-12, South Muskoka was rewarded on a Powerplay when defenseman Jack Lyndon sent a blistering slap shot from the Blue line going top shelf with assists going to Travis Newman and Max Larock. Taking the lead fueled the boys as they hunkered down for battle. St Mary's goaltender has been solid and challenging throughout this series. Game 5 was no exception. While the puck was end to end, another powerplay goal was finally had late in the 2nd as Winger Tyler Weese fed lyndon who sent a another rocket from the blue line. Dustin Labelle got the bounce for the 2 goal lead. Several missed opportunities could have escalated this score but when all was said and done, the Bears skated off winners with the coveted red hat. Final score was 2-0.
Head coach Dan Blum had this to say about the win.
"The team would like to thank the huge crowd that came out and supported our team, it helped us to three home wins. The coaching staff if very proud of the players and their accomplishments this season. They worked very hard and were a pleasure to work with and spend time with."
Mary Lyndon
(photos by Nate Pokocky)