2005 National U18 Club Championship

CENTRAL 3 ATLANTIC 2

Round Robin
April 21, 2005
Guertin Arena
Gatineau, QC

by Graeme Kishiuchi

The Cole Harbour MaCains faced off against the Don Mills Flyers in Game 10 of the 2005 TELUS Cup in what was a crucial match-up between two 1-2 teams.  Half way through the round robin, two wins looks like it could be good enough to secure a spot in the semi finals.  Cole Harbour had some early chances on the power play, and continued their strong even strength fore-check through the first five minute.  At that point Don Mills woke up and put together a great 3-on-2 passing play from Scott Howes to James New to Shane Elliot for the flyers first goal on their first shot of the game at 5:45.   Cole Harbour went back on the power play, but Don Mills had the better chances, highlighted by Dan Devine almost sneaking one past Michael Muir but just missing the post.  Don Mills continued their pressure and Howes was rewarded for a great shift when he beat Muir with a slap shot from the blue line, giving the Flyers a 2-0 lead at 11:27.  Cole Harbour finally regained some of the momentum, only to have a goal disallowed as it was ruled to be hit with a high stick.  The Flyers continued to control the rest of the first period, but Muir was solid, as they out shot the MaCains 13-3 in the last 10 minutes and 15-9 for the period. 

The second period featured a more tight checking style of play, with Don Mills not taking to many chances with the early two goal lead.  Cole Harbour got into penalty trouble, but solid penalty killing kept the Flyers from scoring, including a one minute 2-man advantage.  The MaCains couldn’t keep the momentum, or stay out of the box, and the Flyers New put a change-up from the point by Muir at 16:30 for a 3-0 lead.  The Flyers dictated the pace of the game in the second out shooting Cole Harbour 24-13 at the end of the second period. 

Cole Harbour cam out flying in the third period and pressured the Flyers all over the ice.  The Don Mills first good shift of the third period ended when Kyle Wetering was called for boarding, putting the MaCains on the power play.  Cole Harbour took advantage when Michael Withrow looked off the defender on a 2-on-1 and beat DeZilva high glove to make it 3-1 at 8:29.  Don Mills’ penalties and Cole Harbour’s new found energy lead combined as all of the play was confined to the Flyers’ end.  Cole Harbour pulled their goaltender at the two minute mark to try to overcome the two goal deficit, and Withrow had three great chances, but was unable to find twine.  Mitchell Wallace got the MaCains within one at 19:23 and Don Mills was barley hanging on.  The MaCains drew a penalty and forced a face-off in the Flyers zone with 5.8 seconds left, but a great face-off win by the Flyers New didn’t give Cole Harbour a chance.  The play was all Cole Harbour in the third, out shooting the Flyers 18-2, but fell to 1-3 in the tournament with the loss.  With the win, Don Mills looks to be close to clinching a berth in the semi-finals, with a record of 2-2.  Don Mills’ Player of the Game was Sean DeZilva (30 Saves), and the Player of the Game for Cole Harbour was Ryan Stoddard.