Aurora Tigers Capture 2007 Royal Bank Cup With Victory Over Prince George Spruce Kings

PRINCE GEORGE, BC – For the second time in four years, the Aurora Tigers are Junior A hockey champions of Canada

Joey Martin and Daniel Michalsky had a goal and an assist each as the Tigers topped the Prince George Spruce Kings 3-1 in the 2007 RBC Royal Bank Cup championship game on Sunday night in Prince George, BC.

The Tigers won their second National Junior A Championship in four years, to go along with their 2004 title that they won in Grande Prairie, AB.

Martin got the Tigers started just past the 13-minute mark of the opening period, finishing off a two-on-one with Michael Dahlinger and beating Spruce Kings goaltender Jordan White.

Joey Piccone pushed the lead to two late in the second period, his shot from just inside the blueline deflecting off the skate of Spruce Kings defenseman Ryan deVries and bouncing before beating White.

Michalsky, the 2007 RBC Royal Bank Cup Most Valuable Player and Top Forward, finished off the scoring for the champions with his tournament-leading ninth goal on an Aurora powerplay early in the final period.

Alain Joanette got Prince George on the board with five minutes to go, giving the 3,303 fans in attendance something to cheer about, but it was not to be for the Spruce Kings, who failed in their attempt to become the second host team in three years to win the RBC Royal Bank Cup.

Martin took home Player of the Game honours for the Tigers while 15-year-old Ryan Howse received the award for the Spruce Kings.