Boose steady after two rounds
James Boose finished round two of the Ontario Golf Association Mid-Amateur Championship with a second straight even par performance of 72, to hold on to a fourth place tie for the time being.
The 25-year-old member of the Dundas Valley Golf Club birdied three of the last five holes at Loyalist Country Club in Bath, Ontario. He is four strokes back of current leader Dave Bunker of Woodbridge who shot an impressive six under par 66 in round two Wednesday.
Fellow Dundas Valley member Brett Wilkinson shot 81 in the second round for a two-day total of 11 over par 155 and a tie for 78th as scores continue to roll in.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Dundas golfers have solid opening
Two Dundas Valley Golf Club members started the Ontario Golf Association Mid-Amateur Championship with solid opening rounds, Tuesday.
James Boose shot an even par 72, while Brett Wilkinson shot a two over par 74 at Loyalist Country Club in Bath, Ontario - west of Kingston - to finish the first of three rounds tied for fourth and 14th respectively.
Boose's par round left him just three strokes behind the first round leader. He appeared to favour the back nine, picking up birdies on holes 10, 12, 13 and 17 while suffering bogeys on holes 2, 6, 7 and 16. At 25 years of age, he is the youngest competitor in the top 10 after the opening round.
Play continues Wednesday and Thursday.
Two Dundas Valley Golf Club members started the Ontario Golf Association Mid-Amateur Championship with solid opening rounds, Tuesday.
James Boose shot an even par 72, while Brett Wilkinson shot a two over par 74 at Loyalist Country Club in Bath, Ontario - west of Kingston - to finish the first of three rounds tied for fourth and 14th respectively.
Boose's par round left him just three strokes behind the first round leader. He appeared to favour the back nine, picking up birdies on holes 10, 12, 13 and 17 while suffering bogeys on holes 2, 6, 7 and 16. At 25 years of age, he is the youngest competitor in the top 10 after the opening round.
Play continues Wednesday and Thursday.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Cianfrini Earns Athletic-Academic Honour
Dundas' Dave Cianfrini, a defenceman with the Canisius College hockey team, received the Dr. David B. Dietz Award as the player most dedicated to both athletics and academics.
While scoring 14 points in 39 games for Canisius this season, the third-year student maintained a 3.87 Grade Point Average.
Dave joined Canisius three seasons ago after playing for the Thorold Blackhawks of the Golden Horseshoe Junior B Hockey League, and before that played for the Burlington Hawks of the Ontario Provincial Junior Hockey League. He's eligible for the NHL entry draft this year.
Meanwhile, Dave's brother Paul - another defenceman - continued his own hockey career this season - completing his third season in the Ontario Hockey League. Paul played 66 games with the Erie Otters this season and picked up 18 points.
Dave, 23, and Paul, 20, both provide a strong physical presence on the blueline. Both brothers are 6 feet tall and over 200 lbs.
Dundas' Dave Cianfrini, a defenceman with the Canisius College hockey team, received the Dr. David B. Dietz Award as the player most dedicated to both athletics and academics.
While scoring 14 points in 39 games for Canisius this season, the third-year student maintained a 3.87 Grade Point Average.
Dave joined Canisius three seasons ago after playing for the Thorold Blackhawks of the Golden Horseshoe Junior B Hockey League, and before that played for the Burlington Hawks of the Ontario Provincial Junior Hockey League. He's eligible for the NHL entry draft this year.
Meanwhile, Dave's brother Paul - another defenceman - continued his own hockey career this season - completing his third season in the Ontario Hockey League. Paul played 66 games with the Erie Otters this season and picked up 18 points.
Dave, 23, and Paul, 20, both provide a strong physical presence on the blueline. Both brothers are 6 feet tall and over 200 lbs.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Dundas Golfers Receive Honours
Two local NCAA golfers earned hardware for the 2009 season.
Mackenzie Hughes was named Mid-American Conference freshman of the year, and Christopher Ross was named to the All-Conference First Team.
Mackenzie played all 12 events for the Kent State Golden Flashes in his first NCAA Division 1 golf season, picking up a 74.5 scoring average for the season but averaging a score of 73 in seven spring events.
Mackenzie was also one of four Kent State golfers named to the seven-member All-Tournament team. And he also earned a spot on the All-Conference Second Team.
The spring was Mackenzie's hottest part of the season. He had 11 of his 12 par or better rounds in the last seven events. He earned 20 top ten finishes during his introductory season.
In his senior year at Eastern Michigan University, Parkside graduate Christopher Ross finished tied for 10th in the conference championships.
Christopher had two top 10 finishes, taking 9th place at the Mason Rudolph Championship in September with round of 74, 67, and 71 to finish one stroke under par. He finished 5th our of 60 competitors at the Rees Jones Intercollegiate tournament in November, with rounds of 79, 69 and 73.
Two local NCAA golfers earned hardware for the 2009 season.
Mackenzie Hughes was named Mid-American Conference freshman of the year, and Christopher Ross was named to the All-Conference First Team.
Mackenzie played all 12 events for the Kent State Golden Flashes in his first NCAA Division 1 golf season, picking up a 74.5 scoring average for the season but averaging a score of 73 in seven spring events.
Mackenzie was also one of four Kent State golfers named to the seven-member All-Tournament team. And he also earned a spot on the All-Conference Second Team.
The spring was Mackenzie's hottest part of the season. He had 11 of his 12 par or better rounds in the last seven events. He earned 20 top ten finishes during his introductory season.
In his senior year at Eastern Michigan University, Parkside graduate Christopher Ross finished tied for 10th in the conference championships.
Christopher had two top 10 finishes, taking 9th place at the Mason Rudolph Championship in September with round of 74, 67, and 71 to finish one stroke under par. He finished 5th our of 60 competitors at the Rees Jones Intercollegiate tournament in November, with rounds of 79, 69 and 73.
Local Golfer Helps Win Conference Title
Dundas' Mackenzie Hughes finished third overall to help lead Kent State University to the 2009 Mid-American Conference Championships in NCAA golf this weekend.
A Highland high school graduate, Mackenzie is a Freshman at Kent State, but shot impressive rounds of 72, 71, 69 and 74 to join two teammates in the top 3 as their team blew away the competition.
Mackenzie's teammate John Hahn was nine under par and won the individual tournament, while fellow Kent State golfer Brett Cairns shot five under par for second place as an individual. Dundas' golfing star was two under par over four rounds for third place.
As a team Kent State was an incredible 16 shots under par. Its closest competitor was Eastern Michigan University, which shot three over par for the tournament.
"This week was just a culmination of a great Spring for Kent State golf," golf coach Herb Page said in a press release. "We just kept getting better each week out and it all came together yesterday with our record setting round. I am so proud of the way our guys played, they worked hard all season and really dominated this week."
Dundas' Mackenzie Hughes finished third overall to help lead Kent State University to the 2009 Mid-American Conference Championships in NCAA golf this weekend.
A Highland high school graduate, Mackenzie is a Freshman at Kent State, but shot impressive rounds of 72, 71, 69 and 74 to join two teammates in the top 3 as their team blew away the competition.
Mackenzie's teammate John Hahn was nine under par and won the individual tournament, while fellow Kent State golfer Brett Cairns shot five under par for second place as an individual. Dundas' golfing star was two under par over four rounds for third place.
As a team Kent State was an incredible 16 shots under par. Its closest competitor was Eastern Michigan University, which shot three over par for the tournament.
"This week was just a culmination of a great Spring for Kent State golf," golf coach Herb Page said in a press release. "We just kept getting better each week out and it all came together yesterday with our record setting round. I am so proud of the way our guys played, they worked hard all season and really dominated this week."
Friday, April 17, 2009
Real McCoys Lose Quarterfinal
Host Steinbach knocks Dundas Out Of Allan Cup
Dundas' Allan Cup chase ended with an 8-4 loss to Steinbach North Stars, Thursday night.
After Shawn Maltby scored six minutes into the first period to give Dundas an early 1-0 lead, Steinbach responded with four straight goals to take a 4-1 lead into the first intermission.
Dundas stormed back early in the second period. Goals from Ryan Christie, Mike Kennedy and Rob DeCiantis put the visitors right back into the thick of the game at 4-4. But Steinbach snuck a powerplay goal in to end the period with a 5-4 lead.
Steinbach owned the third period, finding the net three more times and holding Dundas off the scoreboard to take the 8-4 win.
Both teams were nearly even in penalties, with Dundas taking 14 minutes on seven infractions, Steinbach 12 minutes on six infractions.
Dundas scored two goals in five powerplay chances, while Steinbach had two goals in six powerplay chances.
According to a Pointstreak.com gamesheet, Dundas goalie Brett Leggat started the game and stopped 10 of 14 shots then was removed for Mike Minard with 40 seconds left in the period. Minard played the rest of the game, stopping 25 of 28 shots. Steinbach's final goal was scored on an empty net.
During Dundas' three games at the Allan Cup, Mark Jooris led the way with two goals and four assists for six points. Shawn Maltby scored one goal and four assists for five points. Rob DeCiantis had four goals and no assists for four points, and Nick Smith had two goals and two assists for four points.
Host Steinbach knocks Dundas Out Of Allan Cup
Dundas' Allan Cup chase ended with an 8-4 loss to Steinbach North Stars, Thursday night.
After Shawn Maltby scored six minutes into the first period to give Dundas an early 1-0 lead, Steinbach responded with four straight goals to take a 4-1 lead into the first intermission.
Dundas stormed back early in the second period. Goals from Ryan Christie, Mike Kennedy and Rob DeCiantis put the visitors right back into the thick of the game at 4-4. But Steinbach snuck a powerplay goal in to end the period with a 5-4 lead.
Steinbach owned the third period, finding the net three more times and holding Dundas off the scoreboard to take the 8-4 win.
Both teams were nearly even in penalties, with Dundas taking 14 minutes on seven infractions, Steinbach 12 minutes on six infractions.
Dundas scored two goals in five powerplay chances, while Steinbach had two goals in six powerplay chances.
According to a Pointstreak.com gamesheet, Dundas goalie Brett Leggat started the game and stopped 10 of 14 shots then was removed for Mike Minard with 40 seconds left in the period. Minard played the rest of the game, stopping 25 of 28 shots. Steinbach's final goal was scored on an empty net.
During Dundas' three games at the Allan Cup, Mark Jooris led the way with two goals and four assists for six points. Shawn Maltby scored one goal and four assists for five points. Rob DeCiantis had four goals and no assists for four points, and Nick Smith had two goals and two assists for four points.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
McCoys Win Game Two
Dundas To Face Steinbach in Quarter-Final
Nick Smith scored two goals and added an assist, while Shawn Maltby picked up four assists, to help the Dundas Real McCoys outlast the South East Prairie Thunder 7-6 to pick up their first win at the Allan Cup national Senior AAA hockey championship, Wednesday.
Smith scored the winning goal with less than 30 seconds left in the third period, with Dundas playing with an extra skater.
Despite the win, Dundas settles for third place in the round robin portion of the tournament. The local team will face host Steinbach North Stars Thursday in a quarter final match-up. The winner of that game will face either the Prairie Thunder or Bentley Generals in a Friday semi-final. The Allan Cup chase will end for the loser of the Steinbach-Dundas match-up.
The North Stars won the Allan Cup at Grightmire Arena in 2003 when Dundas hosted the national championship. Now representing another Manitoba community, the North Stars feature many of their top players from that championship year - and have added former NHL'er Theoren Fleury.
Other Dundas goal scorers in Wednesday's win were: Tom Brown, Rob DeCiantis, Dan Pitre, Mark Jooris and Shawn Shewchuk.
Chipping in with assists were: Frank Grandits (2) Jerry Galway (2), Mike Kennedy, Tyler Pelton, Jooris and Shewchuk.
Dundas finished the round robin with a 1-1 record, and a three-way tie in their pool. the Prairie Thunder take first place in the pool with 10 goals for and seven goals against. Lloydminster took second place with only five goals for, but only six goals against. Dundas actually scored an impressive nine goals in their two round robin games - but gave up a total of 11 to their opponents.
Dundas goalie Mike Minard picked up the win for Dundas.
Dundas To Face Steinbach in Quarter-Final
Nick Smith scored two goals and added an assist, while Shawn Maltby picked up four assists, to help the Dundas Real McCoys outlast the South East Prairie Thunder 7-6 to pick up their first win at the Allan Cup national Senior AAA hockey championship, Wednesday.
Smith scored the winning goal with less than 30 seconds left in the third period, with Dundas playing with an extra skater.
Despite the win, Dundas settles for third place in the round robin portion of the tournament. The local team will face host Steinbach North Stars Thursday in a quarter final match-up. The winner of that game will face either the Prairie Thunder or Bentley Generals in a Friday semi-final. The Allan Cup chase will end for the loser of the Steinbach-Dundas match-up.
The North Stars won the Allan Cup at Grightmire Arena in 2003 when Dundas hosted the national championship. Now representing another Manitoba community, the North Stars feature many of their top players from that championship year - and have added former NHL'er Theoren Fleury.
Other Dundas goal scorers in Wednesday's win were: Tom Brown, Rob DeCiantis, Dan Pitre, Mark Jooris and Shawn Shewchuk.
Chipping in with assists were: Frank Grandits (2) Jerry Galway (2), Mike Kennedy, Tyler Pelton, Jooris and Shewchuk.
Dundas finished the round robin with a 1-1 record, and a three-way tie in their pool. the Prairie Thunder take first place in the pool with 10 goals for and seven goals against. Lloydminster took second place with only five goals for, but only six goals against. Dundas actually scored an impressive nine goals in their two round robin games - but gave up a total of 11 to their opponents.
Dundas goalie Mike Minard picked up the win for Dundas.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
McCoys Drop First Game
Dundas Real McCoys took 40 penalty minutes on 19 infractions, giving Lloydminster Border Kings 14 power plays, en route to a 5-2 loss to open the 2009 Allan Cup national senior AAA hockey championship in Steinbach, Manitoba, Tuesday evening.
After giving up two power play goals, Dundas' Mark Jooris and Rob DeCiantis scored back to back second period goals to tie the game at two.
But the McCoys gave up two more goals to Lloydminster in that second frame, plus one more early in the final period - and then never got a handle on the match, failing to capitalize on a couple of power play opportunities.
Lloydminster outshot Dundas 56 to 34.
Dundas was one for three on the power play, while Lloydminster scored three times on 14 power plays - accounting for the difference in the final score.
Dundas Real McCoys continue the round robin portion of the Allan Cup tomorrow night with a game against South East Prairie Thunder of Manitoba. The Thunder is 1-0 after beating Lloydminster 4-0 Monday night.
The Real McCoys need a win tomorrow night to stay even with the two teams in their pool. A loss will mean having to play a qualifier match while the top two teams get a bye into the next round.
Check the Dundas Star News this Friday for more, and come back to Dundas Sports Central for regular updates.
Dundas Real McCoys took 40 penalty minutes on 19 infractions, giving Lloydminster Border Kings 14 power plays, en route to a 5-2 loss to open the 2009 Allan Cup national senior AAA hockey championship in Steinbach, Manitoba, Tuesday evening.
After giving up two power play goals, Dundas' Mark Jooris and Rob DeCiantis scored back to back second period goals to tie the game at two.
But the McCoys gave up two more goals to Lloydminster in that second frame, plus one more early in the final period - and then never got a handle on the match, failing to capitalize on a couple of power play opportunities.
Lloydminster outshot Dundas 56 to 34.
Dundas was one for three on the power play, while Lloydminster scored three times on 14 power plays - accounting for the difference in the final score.
Dundas Real McCoys continue the round robin portion of the Allan Cup tomorrow night with a game against South East Prairie Thunder of Manitoba. The Thunder is 1-0 after beating Lloydminster 4-0 Monday night.
The Real McCoys need a win tomorrow night to stay even with the two teams in their pool. A loss will mean having to play a qualifier match while the top two teams get a bye into the next round.
Check the Dundas Star News this Friday for more, and come back to Dundas Sports Central for regular updates.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Hughes' second place helps Kent State win
Mackenzie Hughes' career-best second place NCAA Division One finish helped Kent State win the Towson Invitational Golf Tournament by 25 strokes over the weekend.
While teammate John Hahn shot a 5-under par 211 over three rounds to win the overall championship, Highland high school graduate Hughes shot 73, 70 and 70 for a three-round total of 213 or 3-under par to tie with another Kent State teammate Nick Laumer for second place.
Kent State, with another top 5 finish and a fifth player who tied for 12th, was 11-under par to win the tournament. Kent State was the only team, in field of 17 schools, to shoot under par for the tournament.
"We played really well all weekend and just dominated," Kent State head coach Herb Page said in a press release. "It was a team effort throughout. With it being spring break we were able to spend a little extra time practicing all week and it paid off for us in a big way."
Mackenzie Hughes' career-best second place NCAA Division One finish helped Kent State win the Towson Invitational Golf Tournament by 25 strokes over the weekend.
While teammate John Hahn shot a 5-under par 211 over three rounds to win the overall championship, Highland high school graduate Hughes shot 73, 70 and 70 for a three-round total of 213 or 3-under par to tie with another Kent State teammate Nick Laumer for second place.
Kent State, with another top 5 finish and a fifth player who tied for 12th, was 11-under par to win the tournament. Kent State was the only team, in field of 17 schools, to shoot under par for the tournament.
"We played really well all weekend and just dominated," Kent State head coach Herb Page said in a press release. "It was a team effort throughout. With it being spring break we were able to spend a little extra time practicing all week and it paid off for us in a big way."
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Dundas represented by 69 Around The Bay runners
Veteran Valley Town runner Gord Aglor led a total of 69 Dundas participants in the Around The Bay Road Race earlier today.
Aglor was the top finisher of the large local contingent, crossing the finish line 105th overall - out of 4,816 total participants. He finished 20th out of 518 runners in the male 45 to 49-year-old section, and was the 94th out of 2,617 men. Aglor ran the 30 kilometre route in two hours, six minutes and thirty-one seconds.
Dundas' Doug Beck crossed the finish line almost three minutes after Aglor, finishing 140th overall and 27th out of 374 runners in the male 35 to 39 age group. Beck finished 132nd of 2617 men.
Catherine Sowerby was the top Dundas female finisher in this year's Around The Bay Race. Sowerby finised 541st overall in the 4,916 runner field. She finshed 3oth of 334 runners in the female 30 to 34 group, and was 85th out of 2,295 women in the event.
Julia Cahenzli of Dundas was a minute and a half behind Sowerby. Cahenzli was 607th overall, 44th of 254 in the female 25 to 29 group, and the 104th of 2,295 women overall.
For more information and complete results of Dundas' 69 runners, as well as more than 4,830 others, visit http://www.aroundthebayroadrace.com/
Veteran Valley Town runner Gord Aglor led a total of 69 Dundas participants in the Around The Bay Road Race earlier today.
Aglor was the top finisher of the large local contingent, crossing the finish line 105th overall - out of 4,816 total participants. He finished 20th out of 518 runners in the male 45 to 49-year-old section, and was the 94th out of 2,617 men. Aglor ran the 30 kilometre route in two hours, six minutes and thirty-one seconds.
Dundas' Doug Beck crossed the finish line almost three minutes after Aglor, finishing 140th overall and 27th out of 374 runners in the male 35 to 39 age group. Beck finished 132nd of 2617 men.
Catherine Sowerby was the top Dundas female finisher in this year's Around The Bay Race. Sowerby finised 541st overall in the 4,916 runner field. She finshed 3oth of 334 runners in the female 30 to 34 group, and was 85th out of 2,295 women in the event.
Julia Cahenzli of Dundas was a minute and a half behind Sowerby. Cahenzli was 607th overall, 44th of 254 in the female 25 to 29 group, and the 104th of 2,295 women overall.
For more information and complete results of Dundas' 69 runners, as well as more than 4,830 others, visit http://www.aroundthebayroadrace.com/
Monday, March 23, 2009
Local Golfer Continues Strong NCAA Start
Highland high school grad Mackenzie Hughes finished the National Invitational golf tournament today in Tucson, Arizona with a three over par 75 for a three round total of six over par and a 36th place tie.
In his first year with NCAA Division 1 school Kent State, Mackenzie is past the midway point of a strong opening year.
Mackenzie shot an opening round 76 (+4) then rebounded with a second round 71 (-1).
This weekend's event was the Dundas native's seventh tournament for Kent State this year. He picked up a 17th place finish in his first tournament, the Maryland Intercollegiate, in September with rounds of 72 and 71 to finish just one shot over par.
At the end of last month, Mackenzie opened the Puerto Rico Classic with rounds of 72 and 69, but finished with a final round 78 to finish 35th in the field of 76 golfers.
Highland high school grad Mackenzie Hughes finished the National Invitational golf tournament today in Tucson, Arizona with a three over par 75 for a three round total of six over par and a 36th place tie.
In his first year with NCAA Division 1 school Kent State, Mackenzie is past the midway point of a strong opening year.
Mackenzie shot an opening round 76 (+4) then rebounded with a second round 71 (-1).
This weekend's event was the Dundas native's seventh tournament for Kent State this year. He picked up a 17th place finish in his first tournament, the Maryland Intercollegiate, in September with rounds of 72 and 71 to finish just one shot over par.
At the end of last month, Mackenzie opened the Puerto Rico Classic with rounds of 72 and 69, but finished with a final round 78 to finish 35th in the field of 76 golfers.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Peach Kings End Blues Playoff Run
Grimsby played probably their best game of the series, and Dundas couldn't seem to catch a break, as the Peach Kings romped to a 4-0 win Monday night, taking the Niagara District East Division title four games to two.
An effort by the Blues to force the series to a seventh and final game back in Grimsby hit a roadblock from the start as the Peach Kings pressed hard with a strong fore-check and seemingly insurmountable penalty-kill.
Dundas never seemed to get its powerplay clicking, repeatedly finding themselves buried deep in their own end even with a man advantage. The home team was unable to convert on eight powerplay opportunities.
Grimsby slowly built a lead with a goal in the opening period and one in the second frame. They put the game away with two powerplay goals in the final frame, while keeping Dundas off the scoreboard all night long.
Dundas outshot Grimsby over the second two periods, 21 to 19, but couldn't solve Grimsby netminder Mike Tardif - who stepped up to foil several Dundas scoring chances. Other shots and loose pucks didn't bounce the Blues' way and Grimsby was strong enough to withstand all late attacks.
Tardiff stopped all 28 Dundas shots on net for the shutout win, and Dundas' Cam Graham stopped 30 of the 34 shots he faced.
Several Dundas players were slow to leave the ice following the game, perhaps not quite ready to say goodbye to the season - and an exhilarating east division final series that saw them win two games at home, and lose two tight overtime games in Grimsby that could have gone their way.
The Dundas Blues came a long way in this, the team's 50th anniversary season. The players and coaching staff may not quite be ready to hear it after a disappointing loss in a series they came very close to winning - but the Blues overcame a poor start to rack up two separate eight game winning streaks, the two second longest winning streaks in the entire Niagara league.
Dundas was evenly matched with Grimsby during the division final, pushing the regular season champs to overime on their own ice - where they owned the best home record in the league - twice in the series
Grimsby won five of the six regular season games against Dundas.
Grimsby played probably their best game of the series, and Dundas couldn't seem to catch a break, as the Peach Kings romped to a 4-0 win Monday night, taking the Niagara District East Division title four games to two.
An effort by the Blues to force the series to a seventh and final game back in Grimsby hit a roadblock from the start as the Peach Kings pressed hard with a strong fore-check and seemingly insurmountable penalty-kill.
Dundas never seemed to get its powerplay clicking, repeatedly finding themselves buried deep in their own end even with a man advantage. The home team was unable to convert on eight powerplay opportunities.
Grimsby slowly built a lead with a goal in the opening period and one in the second frame. They put the game away with two powerplay goals in the final frame, while keeping Dundas off the scoreboard all night long.
Dundas outshot Grimsby over the second two periods, 21 to 19, but couldn't solve Grimsby netminder Mike Tardif - who stepped up to foil several Dundas scoring chances. Other shots and loose pucks didn't bounce the Blues' way and Grimsby was strong enough to withstand all late attacks.
Tardiff stopped all 28 Dundas shots on net for the shutout win, and Dundas' Cam Graham stopped 30 of the 34 shots he faced.
Several Dundas players were slow to leave the ice following the game, perhaps not quite ready to say goodbye to the season - and an exhilarating east division final series that saw them win two games at home, and lose two tight overtime games in Grimsby that could have gone their way.
The Dundas Blues came a long way in this, the team's 50th anniversary season. The players and coaching staff may not quite be ready to hear it after a disappointing loss in a series they came very close to winning - but the Blues overcame a poor start to rack up two separate eight game winning streaks, the two second longest winning streaks in the entire Niagara league.
Dundas was evenly matched with Grimsby during the division final, pushing the regular season champs to overime on their own ice - where they owned the best home record in the league - twice in the series
Grimsby won five of the six regular season games against Dundas.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Second Overtime Win Gives Grimsby 3-2 Series Lead
Grimsby Peach Kings took a three games to two lead in the best-of-seven Niagara District East Division Final series with a 2-1 overtime win, Friday night.
Scoring opened halfway through the first period, as Grimsby took a 1-0 lead in their home arena on a powerplay.
After a scoreless second period, Dundas tied the game in the third frame. Kevin Dowling scored the goal, assisted by Dustin Dzaman and Jonathon Cox.
Seven and a half minutes into overtime, Grimsby found the net to take the win.
"We deserved to win the game tonight," Blues assistant coach Steve Aglor said. "We outplayed them huge in the second and third periods but couldn't finish."
He described Grimsby's overtime winning goal as a "fluke", and attributed the Blues' tough first period, in which they were outshot 17-5 by the Peach Kings, to penalty trouble.
"We played a great game. The players couldn't have done any more, especially in the second and third," Aglor said.
Grimsby outshot Dundas 40 to 34. After the one-sided opening frame, the Blues had 12 shots and the Peach Kings 13 shots in the scoreless second period. Dundas poured it on in the third period, outshooting Grimsby 15-5, but only found the net once. Grimsby had five shots in overtime, Dundas two.
Of note, there were no penalties issued to either team in the third period or overtime. Overall, Grimsby was one for nine on the powerplay and Dundas was zero for seven.
The series returns to Dundas Monday, March 16 at 7:30 p.m, with Grimsby needing one win to clinch the division title, and Dundas needing two straight wins to clinch. Dundas must win at home Monday to force a seventh and deciding game back in Grimsby Wednesday.
But Aglor remains confident in his players.
"We'll do it the hard way," he said.
Grimsby has won two overtime games at home. The Blues have won both games in Dundas by scores of 4-2. Grimsby rode some questionable officiating and 20 powerplays to an 8-2 win last Friday.
Grimsby Peach Kings took a three games to two lead in the best-of-seven Niagara District East Division Final series with a 2-1 overtime win, Friday night.
Scoring opened halfway through the first period, as Grimsby took a 1-0 lead in their home arena on a powerplay.
After a scoreless second period, Dundas tied the game in the third frame. Kevin Dowling scored the goal, assisted by Dustin Dzaman and Jonathon Cox.
Seven and a half minutes into overtime, Grimsby found the net to take the win.
"We deserved to win the game tonight," Blues assistant coach Steve Aglor said. "We outplayed them huge in the second and third periods but couldn't finish."
He described Grimsby's overtime winning goal as a "fluke", and attributed the Blues' tough first period, in which they were outshot 17-5 by the Peach Kings, to penalty trouble.
"We played a great game. The players couldn't have done any more, especially in the second and third," Aglor said.
Grimsby outshot Dundas 40 to 34. After the one-sided opening frame, the Blues had 12 shots and the Peach Kings 13 shots in the scoreless second period. Dundas poured it on in the third period, outshooting Grimsby 15-5, but only found the net once. Grimsby had five shots in overtime, Dundas two.
Of note, there were no penalties issued to either team in the third period or overtime. Overall, Grimsby was one for nine on the powerplay and Dundas was zero for seven.
The series returns to Dundas Monday, March 16 at 7:30 p.m, with Grimsby needing one win to clinch the division title, and Dundas needing two straight wins to clinch. Dundas must win at home Monday to force a seventh and deciding game back in Grimsby Wednesday.
But Aglor remains confident in his players.
"We'll do it the hard way," he said.
Grimsby has won two overtime games at home. The Blues have won both games in Dundas by scores of 4-2. Grimsby rode some questionable officiating and 20 powerplays to an 8-2 win last Friday.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Blues Tie Up Series Again
With 15 seconds left in the second period, and the Dundas Blues deadlocked at 2-2 with the Grimsby Peach Kings, Dundas native D.J. McConnell buried a pass from Kyle Draper for the winning goal in Game Four of the Junior C Niagara District's east division final Thursday night.
McConnell's second goal of the playoffs sends the Blues back to Grimsby for Friday night's Game Five with a 2-2 series tie.
With the one goal lead, Dundas grinded out the final period, killing four penalties and successfully burying the puck in Grimsby's end late in the game. The deal was sealed with a late empty net goal, and a 4-2 win.
Dundas called a timeout with four and a half minutes left to play. as head coach Dan Caco called for three players to stay up high and two players to play down low, deep in Grimsby's end.
Their goal was to control the puck on the boards and in the corners and burn down the time remaining on the clock. They were successful, giving Grimsby no opportunity to pull their goalie in favour of an extra skater.
With about a minute left, Grimsby finally carried the puck into Dundas' end and their goalie got to the bench. But before fans could count to ten, Kevin Dowling had fired the puck into Grimsby's empty net to cap the win.
Dundas had jumped out to a lead after 15 minutes of the opening period, with an even strength goal from Jesse Healy, assisted by Andrew Clark.
Cole McNeil gave Dundas a 2-0 lead two minutes later on a powerplay, assisted by Healy and B.J. Caco.
Grimsby came back in the second frame, with an even strength goal 37 seconds after the puck dropped.
McNeil was thwarted on a penalty shot ten minutes later.
The Peach Kings tied it up with a powerplay goal in the final two minutes of the second period.
With Dundas still pressuring the Grimsby net, a shot rattled off the post and came to a rest in the goal crease behind the Peach King netminder. But a subsequent scrum didn't move the puck over the line before the whistle stopped play.
Dundas kept the pressure up, winning battles in the corners and along the boards and working hard to get the puck out front to McConnell for the winner eight seconds after the near-goal.
Again one of several hard workers on the ice, Mike Peters picked up two assists on the night - including one on the game winner. Several players stepped up with blocked shots and important clearing shots to help hold Grimsby down to two goals.
The two teams were evenly matched when it came to shots on net. Dundas had 36, Grimsby 34.
Goalie Cam Graham returned after missing the past two games to stop 32 shots for the win. Both goalies came with big saves on several occasions to keep the game close all night.
Dundas won another tight special teams battle, scoring two goals on seven powerplays, while Grimsby found the net once on 10 powerplays.
Game Five is set for Grimsby Friday night at 7:30 p.m., and Game Six will be played at Dundas' J.L. Grightmire Arena on Monday, March 16 at 7:30 p.m.
Note the special night for Game Six, and be sure to make it to Grightmire on Market Street in Dundas for what could prove to be the biggest hockey game in Hamilton so far this season.
Check www.dundasstarnews.com and Dundas Sports Central for updates on tomorrow night's Game Five, and watch for your copy of the Dundas Star News for more - including an introduction to Bob Hatch in the March 20 issue. Mr. Hatch dropped the puck for a ceremonial face-off at Grightmire tonight, and played for the Dundas Junior C team 50 years ago.
With 15 seconds left in the second period, and the Dundas Blues deadlocked at 2-2 with the Grimsby Peach Kings, Dundas native D.J. McConnell buried a pass from Kyle Draper for the winning goal in Game Four of the Junior C Niagara District's east division final Thursday night.
McConnell's second goal of the playoffs sends the Blues back to Grimsby for Friday night's Game Five with a 2-2 series tie.
With the one goal lead, Dundas grinded out the final period, killing four penalties and successfully burying the puck in Grimsby's end late in the game. The deal was sealed with a late empty net goal, and a 4-2 win.
Dundas called a timeout with four and a half minutes left to play. as head coach Dan Caco called for three players to stay up high and two players to play down low, deep in Grimsby's end.
Their goal was to control the puck on the boards and in the corners and burn down the time remaining on the clock. They were successful, giving Grimsby no opportunity to pull their goalie in favour of an extra skater.
With about a minute left, Grimsby finally carried the puck into Dundas' end and their goalie got to the bench. But before fans could count to ten, Kevin Dowling had fired the puck into Grimsby's empty net to cap the win.
Dundas had jumped out to a lead after 15 minutes of the opening period, with an even strength goal from Jesse Healy, assisted by Andrew Clark.
Cole McNeil gave Dundas a 2-0 lead two minutes later on a powerplay, assisted by Healy and B.J. Caco.
Grimsby came back in the second frame, with an even strength goal 37 seconds after the puck dropped.
McNeil was thwarted on a penalty shot ten minutes later.
The Peach Kings tied it up with a powerplay goal in the final two minutes of the second period.
With Dundas still pressuring the Grimsby net, a shot rattled off the post and came to a rest in the goal crease behind the Peach King netminder. But a subsequent scrum didn't move the puck over the line before the whistle stopped play.
Dundas kept the pressure up, winning battles in the corners and along the boards and working hard to get the puck out front to McConnell for the winner eight seconds after the near-goal.
Again one of several hard workers on the ice, Mike Peters picked up two assists on the night - including one on the game winner. Several players stepped up with blocked shots and important clearing shots to help hold Grimsby down to two goals.
The two teams were evenly matched when it came to shots on net. Dundas had 36, Grimsby 34.
Goalie Cam Graham returned after missing the past two games to stop 32 shots for the win. Both goalies came with big saves on several occasions to keep the game close all night.
Dundas won another tight special teams battle, scoring two goals on seven powerplays, while Grimsby found the net once on 10 powerplays.
Game Five is set for Grimsby Friday night at 7:30 p.m., and Game Six will be played at Dundas' J.L. Grightmire Arena on Monday, March 16 at 7:30 p.m.
Note the special night for Game Six, and be sure to make it to Grightmire on Market Street in Dundas for what could prove to be the biggest hockey game in Hamilton so far this season.
Check www.dundasstarnews.com and Dundas Sports Central for updates on tomorrow night's Game Five, and watch for your copy of the Dundas Star News for more - including an introduction to Bob Hatch in the March 20 issue. Mr. Hatch dropped the puck for a ceremonial face-off at Grightmire tonight, and played for the Dundas Junior C team 50 years ago.
Is "Passable" Officiating Good Enough - An Opinion
Ontario Hockey Association officials concede officiating in Friday's game three of the Niagara District East Division Playoffs between Dundas Blues and Grimsby Peach Kings did not meet the standard set in the previous two games.
So, it wasn't as good - but it was acceptable. That doesn't seem quite right.
Players on both teams deserve more. The fans of both teams deserve more.
The fans and coaches expect better than "passable" performances from the players on the ice, the players expect it from themselves, and we should all expect better than passable performances from the officials.
So far, from the goalie crease out, both teams have played much better than "passable".
Tonight brings Game Four of the series back to Dundas' J.L. Grightmire Arena. And we hope there's a better than "passable" job down by the referee and linesmen. That probably means not really being noticed.
These are talented teams that should be allowed to play, showing off their skill, effort and tenacity. We hope the officials don't overshadow the great athletes on the ice.
All the players on both sides can do is go out and play the best they can. They rely on the fans to do the cheering, coaches to do the coaching and the refs to make the fairest calls possible.
Games One and Two were, by all accounts, exciting, entertaining examples of hockey. There were solid hits, nice goals - and penalties. But everything pretty much evened out and it was the skill and hard work of the players on the ice that made the game.
We're all looking forward to a great game.
Ontario Hockey Association officials concede officiating in Friday's game three of the Niagara District East Division Playoffs between Dundas Blues and Grimsby Peach Kings did not meet the standard set in the previous two games.
So, it wasn't as good - but it was acceptable. That doesn't seem quite right.
Players on both teams deserve more. The fans of both teams deserve more.
The fans and coaches expect better than "passable" performances from the players on the ice, the players expect it from themselves, and we should all expect better than passable performances from the officials.
So far, from the goalie crease out, both teams have played much better than "passable".
Tonight brings Game Four of the series back to Dundas' J.L. Grightmire Arena. And we hope there's a better than "passable" job down by the referee and linesmen. That probably means not really being noticed.
These are talented teams that should be allowed to play, showing off their skill, effort and tenacity. We hope the officials don't overshadow the great athletes on the ice.
All the players on both sides can do is go out and play the best they can. They rely on the fans to do the cheering, coaches to do the coaching and the refs to make the fairest calls possible.
Games One and Two were, by all accounts, exciting, entertaining examples of hockey. There were solid hits, nice goals - and penalties. But everything pretty much evened out and it was the skill and hard work of the players on the ice that made the game.
We're all looking forward to a great game.
Veteran Parkside Leader Knocked Out of Last Two Games
Parkside Panthers were without big forward Andrew Cicuttini in the AA Senior Boys OFSAA semi-final and bronze medal game this week.
Event organizers confirmed a player from George Harvey of Toronto collided with Cicuttini during Parkside's 58-50 quarterfinal win. The two apparently hit knee-to-knee, and Cicuttini was out for the next two games. Though some questioned whether the hit was intentional, organizers said Parkside players and coaches handled the situation very well.
The loss was a big one for Parkside. While the team has a list of players who contributed points and leadership all year long, and was by no means a one-man show, Cicuttini was hot at OFSAA before he went down. He scored 27 points in the opening 81-56 win, an incredible 30 points in a 50-47 second round win, and added 17 in the quarter final win.
Cicuttini's presence on the court is an asset to Parkside in other ways. As a veteran in his final year at Parkside, he has plenty of experience in competitive, high pressure games. He's had a couple previous trips to OFSAA and was likely a calming influence on his younger teammates when needed.
According to event organizers, Westminster's big player dominated inside play against Parkside in the semi-final, with Cicuttini absent.
Also, Cicuttini's huge presence under the boards took pressure off the team's strong outside shooters. He complemented players like Quinn Henderson and Kyle Giedraitis. These players fed off each other, made each other better and gave opponents fits trying to figure out how to defend them.
With all three on the court, and players like Jeff Hunt, Ty Patterson, Sam Giles, Mike Dzikic and several others contributing as well, Parkside is a tough team to beat. If you focus on Cicuttini, then you leave Henderson, Giedraitis or someone else wide open. And vice versa.
Without one piece of the puzzle, Parkside must be a bit easier to play. Certainly, they are a different team without their tallest forward.
But without Cicuttini, the team still stepped up to beat host team Timmins who must have brought along plenty of fan support. Giedraitis scored 15 in the bronze medal winning game.
There's always ways to spin these things, but perhaps winning a game to earn a bronze might be considered more satisfying than losing a game to take silver. Regardless of everything that happened. Parkside ended on a winning note.
Parkside Panthers were without big forward Andrew Cicuttini in the AA Senior Boys OFSAA semi-final and bronze medal game this week.
Event organizers confirmed a player from George Harvey of Toronto collided with Cicuttini during Parkside's 58-50 quarterfinal win. The two apparently hit knee-to-knee, and Cicuttini was out for the next two games. Though some questioned whether the hit was intentional, organizers said Parkside players and coaches handled the situation very well.
The loss was a big one for Parkside. While the team has a list of players who contributed points and leadership all year long, and was by no means a one-man show, Cicuttini was hot at OFSAA before he went down. He scored 27 points in the opening 81-56 win, an incredible 30 points in a 50-47 second round win, and added 17 in the quarter final win.
Cicuttini's presence on the court is an asset to Parkside in other ways. As a veteran in his final year at Parkside, he has plenty of experience in competitive, high pressure games. He's had a couple previous trips to OFSAA and was likely a calming influence on his younger teammates when needed.
According to event organizers, Westminster's big player dominated inside play against Parkside in the semi-final, with Cicuttini absent.
Also, Cicuttini's huge presence under the boards took pressure off the team's strong outside shooters. He complemented players like Quinn Henderson and Kyle Giedraitis. These players fed off each other, made each other better and gave opponents fits trying to figure out how to defend them.
With all three on the court, and players like Jeff Hunt, Ty Patterson, Sam Giles, Mike Dzikic and several others contributing as well, Parkside is a tough team to beat. If you focus on Cicuttini, then you leave Henderson, Giedraitis or someone else wide open. And vice versa.
Without one piece of the puzzle, Parkside must be a bit easier to play. Certainly, they are a different team without their tallest forward.
But without Cicuttini, the team still stepped up to beat host team Timmins who must have brought along plenty of fan support. Giedraitis scored 15 in the bronze medal winning game.
There's always ways to spin these things, but perhaps winning a game to earn a bronze might be considered more satisfying than losing a game to take silver. Regardless of everything that happened. Parkside ended on a winning note.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Parkside Wins Provincial Bronze
Dundas' Parkside Panthers senior boys basketball team clinched the OFSAA Bronze medal Wednesday night with a 43-36 victory over upstart host Timmins.
First year senior Kyle Giedraitis scored 15 points to help lead Parkside to the win and third place in the provincial championship.
Dundas' Parkside Panthers senior boys basketball team clinched the OFSAA Bronze medal Wednesday night with a 43-36 victory over upstart host Timmins.
First year senior Kyle Giedraitis scored 15 points to help lead Parkside to the win and third place in the provincial championship.
Quest for Gold stopped short
Parkside battles for Bronze tonight
Parkside’s quest for provincial gold ended this afternoon with a 60-36 semi-final loss to Westminster Secondary School of London.
The loss moved Parkside to the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Association’s bronze medal game, tonight at 6 p.m. Parkside and Westminster were ranked the top two teams going into the tournament.
Westminster got out to a quick lead on Dundas, leading 33-17 at halftime. Parkside was unable to make up the difference in the second half. Whenever the Dundas boys were able to score, their opponents responded and Parkside never seemed able to dig into the lead. The London school steadily stretched their lead from 16-points at halftime to 20-points in the fourth quarter and finally won by 24.
Parkside was scheduled to meet the tournament’s Cinderella team, the host squad from Timmins, in a battle for Bronze. Timmins was seeded 11th going into the tournament surprising several higher-ranked opponents. St. Thomas Aquinas and Westminster were scheduled to play for ‘AA’ OFSAA Gold Wednesday night.
Parkside battles for Bronze tonight
Parkside’s quest for provincial gold ended this afternoon with a 60-36 semi-final loss to Westminster Secondary School of London.
The loss moved Parkside to the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Association’s bronze medal game, tonight at 6 p.m. Parkside and Westminster were ranked the top two teams going into the tournament.
Westminster got out to a quick lead on Dundas, leading 33-17 at halftime. Parkside was unable to make up the difference in the second half. Whenever the Dundas boys were able to score, their opponents responded and Parkside never seemed able to dig into the lead. The London school steadily stretched their lead from 16-points at halftime to 20-points in the fourth quarter and finally won by 24.
Parkside was scheduled to meet the tournament’s Cinderella team, the host squad from Timmins, in a battle for Bronze. Timmins was seeded 11th going into the tournament surprising several higher-ranked opponents. St. Thomas Aquinas and Westminster were scheduled to play for ‘AA’ OFSAA Gold Wednesday night.
Parkside meets Westminster in Semi-Final
Parkside will meet Westminster, the number two seed from London, in today's semi-final at Noon.
Westminster beat Forster convincingly last night 80-58 to advance to the Final Four with Parkside, St. Thomas Aquinas and Timmins.
The top three seeds going into the tournament: Parkside, Westminister and Aquinas, all made it to the final four, with Timmins High - seeded 11th - grabbing the fourth spot.
Parkside will meet Westminster, the number two seed from London, in today's semi-final at Noon.
Westminster beat Forster convincingly last night 80-58 to advance to the Final Four with Parkside, St. Thomas Aquinas and Timmins.
The top three seeds going into the tournament: Parkside, Westminister and Aquinas, all made it to the final four, with Timmins High - seeded 11th - grabbing the fourth spot.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Parkside Reaches Final Four
The Parkside Panthers basketball team is one win away from the AA OFSAA Gold Medal game, after topping George Harvey of Toronto 58-50 Tuesday night.
This win advances the Dundas high school boys to a semi-final at Noon Wednesday. where they will face either seventh seed Forster of Windsor or second seed Westminster of London.
The other semi-final will feature Oakville's St. Thomas Aquinas (#3 seed) against Timmins High (#11 seed).
The Parkside Panthers basketball team is one win away from the AA OFSAA Gold Medal game, after topping George Harvey of Toronto 58-50 Tuesday night.
This win advances the Dundas high school boys to a semi-final at Noon Wednesday. where they will face either seventh seed Forster of Windsor or second seed Westminster of London.
The other semi-final will feature Oakville's St. Thomas Aquinas (#3 seed) against Timmins High (#11 seed).
Late Heroics Advance Parkside To Quarterfinal
Like other top seeds at the 'AA' OFSAA senior boys basketball tournament in Timmins, Parkside was pushed to the limit by a bottom seed - just going to show Panthers' coach Nick White was right when he said you can't look past any team towards the next game.
But Parkside pulled out a final minute victory over McGuigan, of Toronto, and advances to the quarterfinals tonight at 8 p.m.
Parkside, the number one seed, won by just three points - 50-47 - after building up a 12-point lead in the first quarter.
McGuigan pushed back. The 16th seed out of 18 teams lead Parkside by two points with 22 seconds to play in the fourth quarter. But Parkside intercepted an inbound pass, then drove to the hoop for two points and a foul to move ahead.
Parkside now faces the winner of this afternoon's meeting between George Harvey of Toronto and Nicholson of Belleville. The two potential opponents are seeded 8 and 9, respectively. But seeding doesn't mean everything.
Already, as Day two at the provincial championship heats up, St. Basil's (13th seed) of Sault Ste. Marie beat Forster (7th seed) of Windsor; and Forster topped fourth seed Perth. Timmins, one ofthe host schools, the eleventh seed beat the number two seed Westminster of London.
Andrew Cicuttini led Parkside with 30 points.
Like other top seeds at the 'AA' OFSAA senior boys basketball tournament in Timmins, Parkside was pushed to the limit by a bottom seed - just going to show Panthers' coach Nick White was right when he said you can't look past any team towards the next game.
But Parkside pulled out a final minute victory over McGuigan, of Toronto, and advances to the quarterfinals tonight at 8 p.m.
Parkside, the number one seed, won by just three points - 50-47 - after building up a 12-point lead in the first quarter.
McGuigan pushed back. The 16th seed out of 18 teams lead Parkside by two points with 22 seconds to play in the fourth quarter. But Parkside intercepted an inbound pass, then drove to the hoop for two points and a foul to move ahead.
Parkside now faces the winner of this afternoon's meeting between George Harvey of Toronto and Nicholson of Belleville. The two potential opponents are seeded 8 and 9, respectively. But seeding doesn't mean everything.
Already, as Day two at the provincial championship heats up, St. Basil's (13th seed) of Sault Ste. Marie beat Forster (7th seed) of Windsor; and Forster topped fourth seed Perth. Timmins, one ofthe host schools, the eleventh seed beat the number two seed Westminster of London.
Andrew Cicuttini led Parkside with 30 points.
Parkside Meets Toronto School in Second Game
Parkside Panthers senior boys basketball team play their second game at the Ontario championships this afternoon against Cardinal McGuigan of Toronto.
The number one seed from Dundas will meet the sixteenth seed after McGuigan lost their tournament opener 54-34 to Bishop MacDonnell of Guelph, Monday. McGuigan played a second game Monday evening against ESC Theriault of host city Timmins, who had also lost their opening game.
McGuigan won the Monday evening game 66-47 to earn the right to face Parkside at 1 p.m. today.
One apparent upset from the first day of action was eleventh seed Timmins High beating number two seed Westminster Secondary School in London, 52-45.
Check Dundas Sports Central later today for updates.
Parkside Panthers senior boys basketball team play their second game at the Ontario championships this afternoon against Cardinal McGuigan of Toronto.
The number one seed from Dundas will meet the sixteenth seed after McGuigan lost their tournament opener 54-34 to Bishop MacDonnell of Guelph, Monday. McGuigan played a second game Monday evening against ESC Theriault of host city Timmins, who had also lost their opening game.
McGuigan won the Monday evening game 66-47 to earn the right to face Parkside at 1 p.m. today.
One apparent upset from the first day of action was eleventh seed Timmins High beating number two seed Westminster Secondary School in London, 52-45.
Check Dundas Sports Central later today for updates.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Officiating not up to standard, but passable
The refereeing of Friday's Junior C play-off game between Dundas Blues and Grimsby Peach Kings did not meet the standard set in the series' previous two games but was passable, according to an Ontario Hockey Association director who was at the game and consulted by association president Brent Ladds today.
Mr. Ladds told the Dundas Star News concerns about officiating in Friday's game, which included 74 penalty minutes for the Dundas Blues compared to 14 minutes for Grimsby, and a series-high 20 powerplays for Grimsby compared to Dundas' six powerplays, will be forwarded to the OHA's referee-in-chief and he will review it directly with the game referee.
The refereeing of Friday's Junior C play-off game between Dundas Blues and Grimsby Peach Kings did not meet the standard set in the series' previous two games but was passable, according to an Ontario Hockey Association director who was at the game and consulted by association president Brent Ladds today.
Mr. Ladds told the Dundas Star News concerns about officiating in Friday's game, which included 74 penalty minutes for the Dundas Blues compared to 14 minutes for Grimsby, and a series-high 20 powerplays for Grimsby compared to Dundas' six powerplays, will be forwarded to the OHA's referee-in-chief and he will review it directly with the game referee.
Parkside Wins OFSAA Opener
Parkside high school's senior boys basketball team opened the provincial championship with an 81-56 win over Ridgemont of Ottawa, this afternoon in Timmins.
Veteran centre Andrew Cicuttini led the Dundas school with 27 points, while Quinn Henderson added 20 points.
The Parkside Panthers next play either Cardinal McGuigan of Toronto (16 seed) or ESC Theriault of Timmins (18 seed), both of whom lost their games earlier today.
McGuigan and Theriault play this evening, with the winner moving on to face Parkside tomorrow afternoon.
Parkside entered the Provincial tournament with an overall season record of 37 wins and five losses. The small Dundas school went undefeated in regular season Hamilton play, until the city championship against Orchard Park of Stoney Creek.
Parkside high school's senior boys basketball team opened the provincial championship with an 81-56 win over Ridgemont of Ottawa, this afternoon in Timmins.
Veteran centre Andrew Cicuttini led the Dundas school with 27 points, while Quinn Henderson added 20 points.
The Parkside Panthers next play either Cardinal McGuigan of Toronto (16 seed) or ESC Theriault of Timmins (18 seed), both of whom lost their games earlier today.
McGuigan and Theriault play this evening, with the winner moving on to face Parkside tomorrow afternoon.
Parkside entered the Provincial tournament with an overall season record of 37 wins and five losses. The small Dundas school went undefeated in regular season Hamilton play, until the city championship against Orchard Park of Stoney Creek.
OHA reviewing Blues complaint
Ontario Hockey Association officials are reviewing officiating concerns expressed by Dundas Blues staff after the team was handed 74 minutes in penalties Friday night, giving Grimsby 20 powerplay chances, and an 8-2 win. Six of Grimsby's goals came on powerplays.
Brent Ladds, president of the OHA, said Monday morning complaints of this sort are usually first shared with the official himself. Then the association tries to contact a neutral party who was at the game. Usually, an association director or referee supervisor attends playoff games but Mr. Ladds wasn't sure this morning exactly who might have been at Friday's controversial match in Grimsby. But he said he was investigating the complaint and hoped to have some kind of update later in the day.
The 74 penalty minutes handed to Dundas, and 14 penalty minutes for Grimsby, appear inconsistent with the previous two playoff games between the teams. Grimsby's 20 powerplays and Dundas' six powerplays also were a big variation from Games One and Two.
In Game One, played in Grimsby, both teams went scoreless in eight powerplay chances. Dundas had 20 penalty minutes on eleven infractions while Grimsby had 28 minutes on 12 infractions.
Game Two showed comparable penalty-related statistics. With both teams coming up basically even again. Dundas scored once on nine powerplays, while Grimsby was shut out in eight powerplays. Dundas had 19 penalty minutes, Grimsby 2. Dundas had nine infractions, Grimsby 10.
Of the eleven Dundas players penalized Friday night, league Rookie of the Year Cole McNeil lead the Blues with 14 minutes. During the regular season, he received 38 penalty minutes in 36 games. Nick Bazinet, one of the league's least penalized defencemen in the regular season, was handed 12 minutes Friday night, after picking up only 31 minutes all season in 35 games. Several other Blues not used to sitting in the box were among those handed penalties Friday night.
Dundas was the sixth most penalized team in the regular season, finishing right in the middle of the 10 team league, averaging about 25 minutes per game. Grimsby was among the least penalized teams in the regular season, but averaged about 21 minutes a game.
Grimsby returns to Dundas for Game Four of the best of seven division final, up two games to one, Thursday, March 12 at 7:30 p.m. It's likely to be another exciting contest as the Blues try to put Friday's game behind them and even the series before heading back to Grimsby the next night.
Dundas Blues coaching hope local fans aren't turned off by Friday night's aberration in what has been a very tight, competitive and well-played playoff series between two evenly matched teams.
Ontario Hockey Association officials are reviewing officiating concerns expressed by Dundas Blues staff after the team was handed 74 minutes in penalties Friday night, giving Grimsby 20 powerplay chances, and an 8-2 win. Six of Grimsby's goals came on powerplays.
Brent Ladds, president of the OHA, said Monday morning complaints of this sort are usually first shared with the official himself. Then the association tries to contact a neutral party who was at the game. Usually, an association director or referee supervisor attends playoff games but Mr. Ladds wasn't sure this morning exactly who might have been at Friday's controversial match in Grimsby. But he said he was investigating the complaint and hoped to have some kind of update later in the day.
The 74 penalty minutes handed to Dundas, and 14 penalty minutes for Grimsby, appear inconsistent with the previous two playoff games between the teams. Grimsby's 20 powerplays and Dundas' six powerplays also were a big variation from Games One and Two.
In Game One, played in Grimsby, both teams went scoreless in eight powerplay chances. Dundas had 20 penalty minutes on eleven infractions while Grimsby had 28 minutes on 12 infractions.
Game Two showed comparable penalty-related statistics. With both teams coming up basically even again. Dundas scored once on nine powerplays, while Grimsby was shut out in eight powerplays. Dundas had 19 penalty minutes, Grimsby 2. Dundas had nine infractions, Grimsby 10.
Of the eleven Dundas players penalized Friday night, league Rookie of the Year Cole McNeil lead the Blues with 14 minutes. During the regular season, he received 38 penalty minutes in 36 games. Nick Bazinet, one of the league's least penalized defencemen in the regular season, was handed 12 minutes Friday night, after picking up only 31 minutes all season in 35 games. Several other Blues not used to sitting in the box were among those handed penalties Friday night.
Dundas was the sixth most penalized team in the regular season, finishing right in the middle of the 10 team league, averaging about 25 minutes per game. Grimsby was among the least penalized teams in the regular season, but averaged about 21 minutes a game.
Grimsby returns to Dundas for Game Four of the best of seven division final, up two games to one, Thursday, March 12 at 7:30 p.m. It's likely to be another exciting contest as the Blues try to put Friday's game behind them and even the series before heading back to Grimsby the next night.
Dundas Blues coaching hope local fans aren't turned off by Friday night's aberration in what has been a very tight, competitive and well-played playoff series between two evenly matched teams.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Referee Controversy Marks Game Three
Grimsby takes penalty-filled 8-2 win and series lead
Blues coaches have sent officiating concerns to the Ontario Hockey Association about Friday night's game three of the Niagara District Junior C East Division final.
Game officials handed the Blues a total of 74 penalty minutes, on 24 infractions. Meanwhile, the Grimsby Peach Kings received a total of seven penalties for 14 minutes.
Grimsby players took advantage, scoring six goals in their 20 powerplay chances - including three powerplay goals in the second period - en route to an 8-2 win, and a two games to one lead in the best of seven series.
Grimsby fired 51 shots at Blues goalie Shawn Krzykala, who made 43 saves.
The trouble appeared to start slowly, but in the even first period Dundas' Jesse Healy scored a shorthanded goal and Grimsby added their first powerplay marker. After the 1-1 opening frame, Grimsby came back to take a 6-2 lead in the second, and added two more powerplay goals in the third.
Along with the complaint about referee Darcy Hemauer, the Blues forwarded the OHA an email from a hockey fan who said his family walked out of Friday night's game demanding their money back from the Peach Kings because, according to the fan, the referee "made a mockery of the game." A similar message was posted in the Grimsby Peach Kings website forum.
Looking ahead, assistant coach Steve Aglor said the Blues will hold two practices and regroup for Game Four back home in Dundas' J.L Grightmire Arena Thursday night.
He said the whole team will need to show up Thursday and work as hard as forward Mike Peters, who Aglor credited with "working his butt off every game, every shift."
Check back in for more updates before next week's game, as the Dundas Star News tries to get a response from OHA officials regarding the referee controversy.
Healy's first period shorthanded goal was assisted by Scott Kearsley and Jonathon Cox. Andrew Cebulak scored Dundas' other goal with help from Nick Bazinet and Kevin Dowling.
Grimsby takes penalty-filled 8-2 win and series lead
Blues coaches have sent officiating concerns to the Ontario Hockey Association about Friday night's game three of the Niagara District Junior C East Division final.
Game officials handed the Blues a total of 74 penalty minutes, on 24 infractions. Meanwhile, the Grimsby Peach Kings received a total of seven penalties for 14 minutes.
Grimsby players took advantage, scoring six goals in their 20 powerplay chances - including three powerplay goals in the second period - en route to an 8-2 win, and a two games to one lead in the best of seven series.
Grimsby fired 51 shots at Blues goalie Shawn Krzykala, who made 43 saves.
The trouble appeared to start slowly, but in the even first period Dundas' Jesse Healy scored a shorthanded goal and Grimsby added their first powerplay marker. After the 1-1 opening frame, Grimsby came back to take a 6-2 lead in the second, and added two more powerplay goals in the third.
Along with the complaint about referee Darcy Hemauer, the Blues forwarded the OHA an email from a hockey fan who said his family walked out of Friday night's game demanding their money back from the Peach Kings because, according to the fan, the referee "made a mockery of the game." A similar message was posted in the Grimsby Peach Kings website forum.
Looking ahead, assistant coach Steve Aglor said the Blues will hold two practices and regroup for Game Four back home in Dundas' J.L Grightmire Arena Thursday night.
He said the whole team will need to show up Thursday and work as hard as forward Mike Peters, who Aglor credited with "working his butt off every game, every shift."
Check back in for more updates before next week's game, as the Dundas Star News tries to get a response from OHA officials regarding the referee controversy.
Healy's first period shorthanded goal was assisted by Scott Kearsley and Jonathon Cox. Andrew Cebulak scored Dundas' other goal with help from Nick Bazinet and Kevin Dowling.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Blues Even Series With 4-2 Win
Special teams play gave the Dundas Blues an edge on home ice Thursday night as the Junior C hockey team beat Grimsby Peach Kings 4-2 to even their best of seven Niagara District East Division final series at one game each.
Dundas killed all eight of their own penalties, shutting down the Peach King powerplay all night. And the hometown team found the net once on one of their own powerplays. Goalie Shawn Krzykala got the start for the Blues, and stopped 26 of 28 shots for the win.
The entertaining game featured end-to-end action, hard checks, several good scoring chances for both sides, and a couple of game misconduct penalties.
Facing five Grimsby powerplays in the first period, Dundas' penalty kill units had to battle hard. Dundas hit the scoreboard first with just over seven minutes left in the opening frame as league MVP Jesse Healy found the net on a long shot, assisted by defenceman and team Captain Andrew Clark, and league Rookie of the Year Cole McNeil.
Grimsby had a two-man advantage and pressured the Blues in the final minute of the opening period, Clark sacrificed his body for a key shot block to help ensure the slim lead held as the period winded down.
Despite the one goal lead, Dundas coaches appeared to be shaking their heads over the repeated trips to the penalty box to start the game.
Opening the second period with yet another powerplay, Grimsby swarmed Dundas' end. The Blues couldn't seem to get the puck out, sending clearing passes right onto the sticks of Peach King blueliners. Goalie Shawn Krzykala took control, stopping three straight Grimsby scoring chances.
But Dundas continued to buzz around the Grimsby half of the ice in the second period, keeping the Peach Kings off the scoreboard and strengthening the lead with a goal from Scott Kearsley, assisted by veteran Jonathon Cox and Kyle Draper.
Grimsby came on hard in the second half of the final period, scoring their first goal with just under 10 minutes to play. Less than five minutes later, they tied the game up - showing flashes of the comeback the Peach Kings put together at home last week to snatch an overtime victory in Game One.
Momentum seemed to be swinging Grimsby's way when, between their two goals, Dundas native and Blues leader Dustin Dzaman took a five minute major penalty and game misconduct for hitting from behind.
But Dundas Blues Andrew Clark, Scott Kearsley and Kyle Draper - each of whom battled hard all night long - continued the pressure in Grimsby's end. Their hard work paid off with an entertaining goal fired off the stick of Clark that appeared to catch the Grimsby goalie, then popped up and over him into the net. Dundas had the lead again, 3-2.
Grimsby threw everything they had at the Blues in the final three minutes, pulling their goalie in favour of an extra skater to keep the pressure on. Dundas finally cleared their end and, after a couple of attempts, scored on the empty net to make it 4-2 with just 24 seconds to play. Dundas native Mike Peters picked up the empty-netter to cap a night of hard work by the forward.
Healy assisted on the final goal, but ended up motionless on the ice some point between the puck sliding over the line and the celebration. He skated off the ice under his own power - with a choice word or two for the Grimsby bench as he glided by, and was reportedly fine following the game. Grimsby's Stevan Manojlovic was handed a five minute major penalty and a game misconduct for "checking to the head."
The tied series moves back to Grimsby Friday night, March 6, at 7:30 p.m. for Game Three. Both teams then get a week between games until they return to the Valley Town for Game Four on Thursday, March 12 at the J.L. Grightmire Arena on Market Street in Dundas. The good sized crowd appreciated 60 minutes of good hockey, but there were plenty of open seats at the historic Dundas arena tonight.
Please check Dundas Sports Central regularly for updates of this very close and entertaining series, and don't forget your copy of the Dundas Star News - published every Friday in Dundas.
Special teams play gave the Dundas Blues an edge on home ice Thursday night as the Junior C hockey team beat Grimsby Peach Kings 4-2 to even their best of seven Niagara District East Division final series at one game each.
Dundas killed all eight of their own penalties, shutting down the Peach King powerplay all night. And the hometown team found the net once on one of their own powerplays. Goalie Shawn Krzykala got the start for the Blues, and stopped 26 of 28 shots for the win.
The entertaining game featured end-to-end action, hard checks, several good scoring chances for both sides, and a couple of game misconduct penalties.
Facing five Grimsby powerplays in the first period, Dundas' penalty kill units had to battle hard. Dundas hit the scoreboard first with just over seven minutes left in the opening frame as league MVP Jesse Healy found the net on a long shot, assisted by defenceman and team Captain Andrew Clark, and league Rookie of the Year Cole McNeil.
Grimsby had a two-man advantage and pressured the Blues in the final minute of the opening period, Clark sacrificed his body for a key shot block to help ensure the slim lead held as the period winded down.
Despite the one goal lead, Dundas coaches appeared to be shaking their heads over the repeated trips to the penalty box to start the game.
Opening the second period with yet another powerplay, Grimsby swarmed Dundas' end. The Blues couldn't seem to get the puck out, sending clearing passes right onto the sticks of Peach King blueliners. Goalie Shawn Krzykala took control, stopping three straight Grimsby scoring chances.
But Dundas continued to buzz around the Grimsby half of the ice in the second period, keeping the Peach Kings off the scoreboard and strengthening the lead with a goal from Scott Kearsley, assisted by veteran Jonathon Cox and Kyle Draper.
Grimsby came on hard in the second half of the final period, scoring their first goal with just under 10 minutes to play. Less than five minutes later, they tied the game up - showing flashes of the comeback the Peach Kings put together at home last week to snatch an overtime victory in Game One.
Momentum seemed to be swinging Grimsby's way when, between their two goals, Dundas native and Blues leader Dustin Dzaman took a five minute major penalty and game misconduct for hitting from behind.
But Dundas Blues Andrew Clark, Scott Kearsley and Kyle Draper - each of whom battled hard all night long - continued the pressure in Grimsby's end. Their hard work paid off with an entertaining goal fired off the stick of Clark that appeared to catch the Grimsby goalie, then popped up and over him into the net. Dundas had the lead again, 3-2.
Grimsby threw everything they had at the Blues in the final three minutes, pulling their goalie in favour of an extra skater to keep the pressure on. Dundas finally cleared their end and, after a couple of attempts, scored on the empty net to make it 4-2 with just 24 seconds to play. Dundas native Mike Peters picked up the empty-netter to cap a night of hard work by the forward.
Healy assisted on the final goal, but ended up motionless on the ice some point between the puck sliding over the line and the celebration. He skated off the ice under his own power - with a choice word or two for the Grimsby bench as he glided by, and was reportedly fine following the game. Grimsby's Stevan Manojlovic was handed a five minute major penalty and a game misconduct for "checking to the head."
The tied series moves back to Grimsby Friday night, March 6, at 7:30 p.m. for Game Three. Both teams then get a week between games until they return to the Valley Town for Game Four on Thursday, March 12 at the J.L. Grightmire Arena on Market Street in Dundas. The good sized crowd appreciated 60 minutes of good hockey, but there were plenty of open seats at the historic Dundas arena tonight.
Please check Dundas Sports Central regularly for updates of this very close and entertaining series, and don't forget your copy of the Dundas Star News - published every Friday in Dundas.
Parkside Number One Seed
Team starts provincial quest Monday afternoon
Parkside Panthers are the number one seed at the AA OFSAA senior boys Basketball championship in Timmins.
That means the Dundas team plays its first game against Ridgemont Spartans, of Ottawa, on Monday, March 9 at 1 p.m.
A quick scan of Ridgemont on the net indicates Parkside's first opponent at the provincial championship won the Ottawa AA city championship 68-61. In that game, Samr Farhat reportedly led the Spartans with 29 points and Nehemiah Campbell scored 18. The two are apparently among several leaders on the team, along with Nagi Aboumenjel and Osman Faqi.
Team starts provincial quest Monday afternoon
Parkside Panthers are the number one seed at the AA OFSAA senior boys Basketball championship in Timmins.
That means the Dundas team plays its first game against Ridgemont Spartans, of Ottawa, on Monday, March 9 at 1 p.m.
A quick scan of Ridgemont on the net indicates Parkside's first opponent at the provincial championship won the Ottawa AA city championship 68-61. In that game, Samr Farhat reportedly led the Spartans with 29 points and Nehemiah Campbell scored 18. The two are apparently among several leaders on the team, along with Nagi Aboumenjel and Osman Faqi.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Blues drop tight opener
Second game in Dundas Thursday
By Craig Campbell
News Staff
Despite dropping the first game of their Niagara Junior C East Division final series to Grimsby Friday night, the Dundas Blues showed they’re ready to match up with the league’s most dominant team.
Going into the Peach King’s home territory to open the best of seven series, where the host team held a league best record of 15 wins, two losses and one tie, any opponent might be expected to wince.
But it was the Blues that charged out of the gate, grabbing a 1-0 lead in Grimsby’s house on Cole McNeil’s first period goal, assisted by Jesse Healy.
McNeil found the net again in the second period to give Dundas a 2-0 lead with an unassisted, shorthanded goal.
That two-goal cushion lasted until the final minute of the second frame, when Grimsby finally got a puck past Blues goalie Cam Graham. The Dundas netminder stood on his head for most of the period, stopping 19 of 20 Grimsby shots.
The tight contest continued in the third frame, and the hosts again outshot Dundas, but found the net only once – enough to tie the match and send it into overtime.
Almost halfway through overtime, Grimsby scored to take the series opener.
Grimsby outshot Dundas 45 to 26, but Graham was up to the task stopping 43 pucks in regulation.
The Peach Kings now travel to the Blues’ home, at J.L. Grightmire Arena on Market Street in Dundas, where the Blues hope hometown fans will show up in record numbers this Thursday to support their drive to unseat Grimsby as East Division champions.
Head coach and team owner Dan Caco said the series opening overtime loss in Grimsby was frustrating, but that the team will regroup in time for Thursday night’s game in Dundas.
“We stuck to our game plan for most of the game, but a couple of breakdowns resulted in both Grimsby goals,” Mr. Caco said. “There is no room for errors in the playoffs. We made a couple and it cost us the first game.
“We still feel confident we will knock the Peach Kings off.”
Game two of the tough series is set for Thursday, March 5 at Grightmire Arena in Dundas. Gametime is 7:30 p.m.
Second game in Dundas Thursday
By Craig Campbell
News Staff
Despite dropping the first game of their Niagara Junior C East Division final series to Grimsby Friday night, the Dundas Blues showed they’re ready to match up with the league’s most dominant team.
Going into the Peach King’s home territory to open the best of seven series, where the host team held a league best record of 15 wins, two losses and one tie, any opponent might be expected to wince.
But it was the Blues that charged out of the gate, grabbing a 1-0 lead in Grimsby’s house on Cole McNeil’s first period goal, assisted by Jesse Healy.
McNeil found the net again in the second period to give Dundas a 2-0 lead with an unassisted, shorthanded goal.
That two-goal cushion lasted until the final minute of the second frame, when Grimsby finally got a puck past Blues goalie Cam Graham. The Dundas netminder stood on his head for most of the period, stopping 19 of 20 Grimsby shots.
The tight contest continued in the third frame, and the hosts again outshot Dundas, but found the net only once – enough to tie the match and send it into overtime.
Almost halfway through overtime, Grimsby scored to take the series opener.
Grimsby outshot Dundas 45 to 26, but Graham was up to the task stopping 43 pucks in regulation.
The Peach Kings now travel to the Blues’ home, at J.L. Grightmire Arena on Market Street in Dundas, where the Blues hope hometown fans will show up in record numbers this Thursday to support their drive to unseat Grimsby as East Division champions.
Head coach and team owner Dan Caco said the series opening overtime loss in Grimsby was frustrating, but that the team will regroup in time for Thursday night’s game in Dundas.
“We stuck to our game plan for most of the game, but a couple of breakdowns resulted in both Grimsby goals,” Mr. Caco said. “There is no room for errors in the playoffs. We made a couple and it cost us the first game.
“We still feel confident we will knock the Peach Kings off.”
Game two of the tough series is set for Thursday, March 5 at Grightmire Arena in Dundas. Gametime is 7:30 p.m.
Welcome to Dundas Sports Central
Check in regularly for local sports updates between weekly editions of the Dundas Star News, the paper of record in Dundas, Ontario, Canada.
Starting this week, Dundas Sports Central will follow the current efforts of the Dundas Blues Junior C hockey team as they battle Grimsby Peach Kings for the Niagara District East Division championship, and the Parkside Panthers Senior Boys Basketball team at the AA provincial championships in Timmins.
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