GRAVENHURST — The South Muskoka Shield squeaked out a 4-3 win over the Deseronto Storm Sunday night in Bracebridge, but the team still trails the Storm 2-1 in the best four-of-seven Russell Cup final in the Greater Metro Jr. A Hockey League (GMHL).
Out to avenge last year’s championship final, Deseronto won the first two games in their rink on Friday and Saturday.
The Storm looked very hungry and very determined to win the 2010 title, outworking the Shield for most of the game and keeping play in their opponents’ zone.
In Game 1 on Friday night, the Shield dropped a 4-2 decision to the Storm.
Coach Dallyn Telford said it was probably the Shield’s worst effort of the season.
“For the most part, we looked tentative and let the Storm control the pace of the game,” he said. “To their credit, they played very well in front of a large and loud home crowd. Most of the game was played in our end and we found our defensive systems breaking down — another credit to their strong forecheck.”
He said defensively, the Shield wasn’t tough enough, and as a team failed to compete in the tough areas of the rink.
After 20 minutes, the two teams were tied 1-1.
Deseronto edged the score to 2-1 on a power-play goal in the second period, but Shield captain Chad Meagher tied the score early in the third with an unassisted marker.
The Storm jumped ahead again, scoring a short-handed goal on goalie Mark Wardell on a breakaway. Wardell faced a total 64 shots on net.
Deseronto scored an empty net goal late in the game to seal the 4-2 win.
With momentum from the previous night’s win, Deseronto continued its domination over the Shield and the championship series with a 5-2 victory in Game 2 on Saturday.
“We got away from our game plan and what has given us success so far,” said Telford. “We were outworked, outmuscled, and out-chanced. Deseronto definitely looked like the hungrier team and made the most of their scoring chances.”
Contributing to the team’s success through the series has been its power-play performance. In its first two games, the Storm went 4-for-9 in power-play opportunities. In Game 2, the Storm netted two power-play goals and an empty-netter.
Rob Sutherland played between the pipes for the Shield, making some good saves.
For the most part, he did not receive much help from his team, Telford added.
Shots on goal were nearly equal at 58-56, favouring Deseronto. Ricky Greenslade and Meagher scored goals for the Shield.
Momentum in a series is a huge factor and is something the Shield has been missing.
“It was tough playing the first two games on the road — something we have not done in two seasons,” said Telford. “For the new guys, it was a great learning experience of what it takes in a championship series. For the returning players, it was a great reminder of how hard we have to work if we want success.”
South Muskoka got back in the series with a 4-3 win Sunday night at Bracebridge arena.
Although the Shield still trails Deseronto, the team has more confidence and has gained some momentum in the series, as the Shield will play the next two games on home ice.
“From the beginning, we looked determined and sometimes desperate for a win,” said Telford, adding the Shield outshot the Storm 51-40. “In general, we knew we were a better team than we showed in the first two games. Also, we knew we had to win.”
Telford said hard work and home ice made the difference.
“We won most of the loose puck battles, played tougher defensively and controlled most of the play,” he explained. “Not only is the crowd loud and boisterous, but playing at home gives us the advantage of last change so we can arrange for the best line matchups that we want.”
After a scoreless first period, Deseronto’s Brad Sweet and the Shield’s Rob Childs traded goals twice in the second frame to tally the score to 2-2.
Greenslade broke the tie with a marker assisted by Childs at 4:43. Childs notched a hat trick with 15 minutes remaining to make the score 4-2.
Deseronto’s Jeff Morris added another point to the scoreboard, but the Storm couldn’t come back from the one-goal deficit.
Sutherland played well in net, earning his seventh playoff win in nine games. His rebound control was awesome, eliminating second-chance opportunities.
Playoff action will resume at Bracebridge Memorial Arena on Friday, April 2 and Saturday, April 3. Game time is 7:30 p.m.