GRAVENHURST — The South Muskoka Shield has a one-game lead over the Deseronto Storm in the championship series for the Greater Metro Jr. A Hockey League’s (GMHL) Russell Cup.
After weekend play, the Shield leads the Storm 3-2 in the best four-of-seven series heading into Tuesday night’s Game 6 at Deseronto. Game results from Tuesday were not available at press time.
“We’re absolutely hoping to take (the series) in Deseronto,” said Shield coach Dallyn Telford. “We’re going there with a mindset to win it, but if things don’t go our way (Tuesday) it’s not time to panic, but time to come home for a regroup.”
If Deseronto wins the clash and ties the series, Telford said the championship title will come down to Game 7, scheduled to be played in Bracebridge Thursday night at 7:30 p.m.
“Both teams want it really bad, and that’s why it’s been such a great final,” said Telford.
Double overtime win in Game 4
Game 4, which was played Good Friday at Bracebridge Memorial Arena, saw the Shield come back from multiple deficits to edge the Storm 4-3 in a double-overtime victory.
Telford said the goal going into the game was to even the series.
“We knew that going down 3-1 would have been a very large hole to climb out of,” Telford said of the standings heading into Friday night’s battle. “On the other hand, a win would turn the series into a best two out of three, and we (would) have home ice advantage for Game 7.”
After giving up leads of 2-0 and 3-1 in the second period, the Shield found itself tied 3-3 going into overtime.
“It was important for us to remain positive despite allowing Deseronto back in the game,” said Telford. “The second period has been the Storm’s best period all series and we knew that we usually get stronger as the game goes on.”
Telford said the Shield dominated the third period and the majority of overtime. He said Rob Sutherland was incredible between the pipes when the game was on the line. He faced a total 45 shots on net.
“We had several chances to end the game late in the third and in the first overtime, however, the puck simply wouldn’t bounce our way,” Telford explained.
Sutherland came up with the play of the game during the first overtime when league-leading scorer Brad Clark sprang loose for a breakaway. Sutherland stopped the shot without allowing a rebound.
Nine seconds shy of the halfway mark of the second overtime, Shield forward Ricky Greenslade fired a backhand shot that beat the Storm’s Jens Kensell to the top right corner. Greenslade also scored the double-overtime winning goal last year that put the Shield up 2-0 over Deseronto in the 2008-09 Russell Cup final.
“Momentum is huge in the playoffs and scoring in overtime to tie the series is a massive lift for the winning team and a negative shock for the losing one,” Telford said.
It was Greenslade’s second marker of the game. Also scoring for South Muskoka in regulation were Trevor Smith and Jon Adams.
With crowd support around the 1,000 mark, the Shield was helped by fans on every inch of the ice, Telford said.
“The support has been incredible,” he said. “There are a lot of new faces coming out to see us in Bracebridge.”
Shield scores 3-2 win in Game 5
Saturday night’s game plan was simple for South Muskoka, Telford said.
“We wanted to give ourselves a chance to repeat as champions on Tuesday night in Deseronto,” he said.
Despite playing a five-period game just 24 hours earlier, both teams looked energetic and desperate to take the series lead.
After going ahead 2-0 with back-to-back goals by Shield forward Rob Childs, South Muskoka began to trail in the second period.
Brad Clark and Jeff Morris both scored for Deseronto to knot the score 2-2.
“Going into the third tied again, it became very evident that the team who made the first mistake would likely come up short,” said Telford.
Sutherland again played great in net, not allowing a goal when his team needed him the most. Shots on goal were close at 40 for South Muskoka and 35 for Deseronto.
With just over four minutes remaining, Adams converted a pass from Dylan Sontag to capture a 3-2 lead.
“Despite being heavily pressured in the final few minutes, we hung on for the win,” Telford explained. “The character of our team really showed as the clock ticked down and guys were sacrificing their bodies to prevent any quality scoring chances by the Storm.”
Windy weather Saturday evening also caused two power outages at the arena that delayed the game.
“Overall, this has been a great series and I’m sure it will continue to be until the end,” said Telford. “Both teams are injured, tired, and are battling for every inch of ice. It will no doubt take our best effort of the season on Tuesday night to win and close the deal. Momentum shifts from minute to minute. The series is so tight. If you take a shift off you’re going to get scored on, (but) that’s the way a final should be.”