After getting by the West Grey Huskies in the first round of OMHA Playdowns, the Mad Dogs would face the Blyth Brussels Crusaders in the second round. The Crusaders met up with the Mad Dogs twice during regular season play and both times were victorious over the Mad Dogs by a single goal. Those matches were early in the season and we all hoped that the hard work in practices and strong play throughout the West Grey series would propel the Mad Dogs to a victory in the 6 point series.
Game 1 was in Harriston and it was a terrific start to the series. Both teams played a very fast tempo game and found themselves locked in a 2 – 2 tie at the end of the third period. Overtime needed in the first game – Wow. Both teams maintained the fast tempo in the overtime frame, each generating good scoring chances but it would be Minto to first find the back of the net in overtime to win game 1 : 3 -2. Game 2 and 3 were scheduled for Blyth Brussels later that week. Minto came out flying in both games, executing their strong passing and offensive gameplan backed up with strong defence and good goaltending to win Game 2 by a score of 9-2 and Game 3 a 4-0 shutout. By winning the series in 3 straight games, the Mad Dogs were rewarded with a weeks rest before starting the OMHA Quarter Finals against South Bruce
The Mad Dogs had previously met up with the Pee Wee South Bruce Team in the finals of the Kincardine Regional Silverstick Tourament. The Mad Dogs game up short in the finals loosing to South Bruce 3 – 0 . They played them well but knew that it would take their best effort as a team to defeat South Bruce in a 6 point series. The series lived up to everyones expectations and the skill, speed and effort shown by both teams was truly exceptional . All 5 games were low scoring games with 2 of the 5 games decided in overtime. South Bruce won Game 2 by a score of 2-0 and Game 3 in overtime by a score of 2-1. Minto won game 1 in Harriston with a score of 3 2, finding the back of the South Bruce net with their 3rd goal with 8.3 seconds left in third period. After losing Game 2 and 3, the Mad Dogs found themselves in a do or die Game 4 in South Bruce’s Icehouse. South Bruce would open the scoring mid way through the first period and hold onto the lead to end the first period. The Mad Dogs started the second period with a level of effort and passion that hadn’t been witnessed in the first period. Their efforts were rewarded at the 12 minute mark of the second period with their first goal to tie the game. The Mad Dogs would earn a second goal just two and half minutes later to take a 2 -1 lead. From that point on, the play was end to end with both teams generating some excellent scoring opportunities. The Goaltenders could not be beaten and as the clock got closer to the last minute of play, the Mad Dogs clutched to a 2 -1 lead. South Bruce pulled their goal tender to give them an extra skater and were able to generate some excellent scoring chances but the buzzer would sound before they could get a tying goal.
Now with the series tied 2 games each, Game 5 in Harriston on Friday night was a Do or Die for both Teams. From the puck drop to start game 5, it was obvious that both teams knew the importance of this game and came to play their best. The first period would end with neither team being able to score. From the start of the second period, Minto stepped up their aggressive fore checking and puck control in South Bruce’s end and would notch two goals in the second frame to take a 2 – 0 lead into the third period. South Bruce would respond and within the first 5 minutes of the third period, were able to find the back of Minto’s net twice to even up the score at 2 all. It would take until the 7 minute mark in the overtime frame for the next goal to be scored. The Mad Dogs would tap in a rebound after a scramble in front of South Bruce’s net to take game 5 by a score of 3 -2.
The Win was a double Win for the Mad Dogs, firstly winning the WOAA Championship Trophy and secondly earning a spot in the OMHA Semi Final Series.
Congratulations Pee Wee Mad Dogs ……… Keep up the Great Work !!!