By Bo Ford
Donald Duffy’s goal early in the third period was enough to lift the Pownal Red Devils over the Charlottetown Abbies 4-2 to capture the P.E.I midget AAA hockey title.
With the victory, the Red Devils complete the midget triple crown by capturing the Monctonian, Spud and Island championships.
“This is stuff you dream of. To see it happen is unreal,” said captain Mark Burke. “It couldn’t have happened to a better group of guys.”
The Red Devils jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in Game 4 of the best-of-five series with goals from Colin MacEachern and Patrick Cummiskey. The Abbies answered back with Josh Scott converting a pretty passing play past Matt Derry’s glove.
The Abbies made it close with an end-to-end goal from defencemen Tyson Blue but Harrison Hayden scored on an empty net with 27 seconds left to seal the Abbies fate.
“We played well but couldn’t get the bounces. We scored one late but it wasn’t enough to get us there,” Abbies coach Ryan Ramsay said. “I’m very proud of the way they played tonight and all season.”
Derry had his best game of the playoffs turning aside 35 shots for the victory. Zach Geldert made some key saves for the Abbies, stopping 31 shots in the loss.
“It couldn’t have happened to a better group of guys. We’re so proud of them, there is just so much character in that dressing room,” Pownal coach Shane Kelly said.
The Red Devils will represent P.E.I. in Truro, N.S next weekend at the Atlantic championship.
