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.