CRAPAUD, P.E.I. – Tanner Power’s goal early into the second period gave the Sherwood Metros a lead they would not relinquish and Prince Edward Island its first Maritime Hockey North junior C championship Sunday in Crapaud.
The Metros, who won the Razzy’s P.E.I. junior C title a week ago, defeated the host Southside MacDonald’s Excavation/E.F. MacPhee Lynx 4-1 Sunday at a jam-packed South Shore Actiplex.
“It still doesn’t feel real right now,” Power said as the celebration continued after the medal presentations. “We were all very excited that we won last weekend. Now, we’re here again winning this one.”
The stands were full and people lined the exterior of the ice surface to catch a glimpse of the action and cheer on their family and friends.
“It’s nerve-racking at the start,” Power said, “but we turned all those nerves into energy and we came out strong.”
Tyson Beckingham gave the Lynx a 1-0 lead 3:10 into the game, but Metros captain Logan Toole tied it eight minutes later.
After Power gave the Metros the lead, Southside had an opportunity to get back into the game, but couldn’t cash in on a five-minute power play midway through the game that started as a 5-on-3 for 18 seconds.
Toole said the kill was the turning point.
“That was big,” Power added. “We got a lot of momentum off killing that (penalty).”
Shawn Corney scored about two minutes into the third period to give the Metros a 3-1 lead.
“That was huge. We were pushing for that coming into the third,” Toole said.
“It gave us the momentum to keep pushing through,” Power added. “We didn't stop and we won the game.”
Jake Arsenault, Bradley Jenkins, William Levasseur, Brandon Sullivan, Owen Arsenault and Patrick Kenny had assists for Sherwood.
Ryan Beckingham and Cameron Nelson had helpers for the Lynx.
Blake Arsenault made 28 saves for the win, including numerous when it was a one-goal game.
“Blake played a wonderful game,” Toole said, noting he was “a brick wall” between the pipes.
Sean MacPhee stopped 34 shots in the loss.
Cliff Affleck, chairman of Hockey P.E.I.’s junior council, congratulated both teams on great seasons and their performance during the past week playing the region’s top junior C players.
“Nobody (gave) it to you . . . you earned it. You played hard,” said Affleck, who started out with the league about 20 years ago. “It just shows our league that we can compete.”
The Lynx and Metros each punched their ticket into the final with one-goal victories in the semifinal.
The Metros defeated the Spryfield Attack from Nova Scotia 4-3 while the Lynx beat the Tri-County Rivercats 4-3 in overtime.
Toole said it would be the last time the team would be together as some players age out of junior hockey.
“Those of you who are done playing, I hope you have some great memories,” Affleck added.
The 2019 championship will take place in Woodstock, N.B.
Tournament Awards
The following awards were handed out Saturday at the Maritime Hockey North junior C championship banquet.
MVP – Logan Toole (Sherwood Metros/ Hockey Prince Edward Island)
Top Scorer – Mitchell Tilley (Baffin Blizzard/Hockey North)
Most Sportsmanlike Player – Ryan Eegeesiak (Baffin Blizzard/Hockey North)
All-Star Team
Goalie – Sam Kamermans (Spryfield Attack/Hockey Nova Scotia)
Defence – Cameron Nelson (Southside Lynx/Host) and MacKenzie Clark (Tri-County Rivercats/Hockey New Brunswick)
Forwards – Dan MacKnight (Spryfield Attack/Hockey Nova Scotia), Mitchell Tilley (Baffin Blizzard/Hockey North) and Owen Arsenault (Sherwood Metros/Hockey Prince Edward Island)
