Mar 15, 2015 | Tyard | 1068 views
Game #1 Loss in Ontario Finals
Game #1 of the Ontario Finals was held in a packed Graeme Murray Arena in Gravenhurst.
Thanks to everyone for this huge turnout to support the South Muskoka Bears! Deputy Mayor Jeff Watson of Gravenhurst and Bracebridge Mayor Graydon Smith were in attendance as well as Dan Sebele from our generous sponsor Progressive Waste Solutions and finally our hockey enthusiast MPP Norm Miller!
It was a hard fought game with St. Mary's Rock jumping out to a 1 goal lead in the 1st period. Chances to score were very equal however. The second period saw the Rock score again to lead 2-0 but the Bears woke up and answered with a goal of their own scored by Alex Gee, assisted by Angus Macgibbon and Sye Ellard. The second period ended 2-1 and it was still anyone's game with the Bears outshooting the Rock by a good margin.
The 3rd period was tight checking with a few chances by both teams but the Rock goalie was solid as was James Gee in the Bears net, turning everything aside and keeping the game within reach. Finally, as the clock ticked down the Bears pulled goalie James Gee for the extra attacker but unfortunately gave up an empty-netter making the final score 3-1 in favour of the Rock.
Perhaps it was opening game jitters, perhaps it was playing in front of so many loud fans, but the Bears were gripping their sticks a little too tightly and just a bit off their normal standard of play, unable to finish on many stellar chances. A positive to be taken from this very close loss is that the Bears can play better and when they do, the results will show it.
Next game is in St. Mary's on the 21st... then back into the Bracebridge Memorial Arena at 4 pm on the 22nd!
Be sure to mark that date on your schedule and fill the old barn to support the team!