Six months is a long time to wait for anything, except maybe tax notices and court dates.
The Erin Shamrocks have been waiting patiently for that time and a chance to pick up where they left off last season – not so much for their game six semi-final loss to
the Penetang Kings but for the strong showing that the young club logged in the 2008-2009 season. A solid third place finish (27-14-1) in the tough GBMO league
behind perennial powerhouses from Alliston and Penetang gives promise to a team returning almost all of their assets from the past season.
While “another year older” doesn’t always translate into success, it has made for some very stiff competition for very few spots. The annual “Rookie Camp” in mid-August
saw over 50 recruits going through their paces for 20 spots in a rookie game two weeks ago. The Shamrock rookies eked out a close 3-2 victory over a Mount Forest
squad featuring 7 or 8 veterans.
Another 50 bodies were present as main camp opened in Orangeville on August 30th. Fourteen players with Shamrock experience were a part of that mix and the vets
will be pressured for roster spots as a talented group of rookies compete to wear the green and white. Three veterans joined the rookies as the dropped a 4-2 decision on
Thursday to a Stayner Siskin team close to having a final roster in place.
The boys come to town on Tuesday September 8th from 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm as they take their first strides at Centre 2000. Camp continues on Thursday night at the
same time before the exhibition season gets serious with a tournament in Alliston the weekend of September 11, 12 and 13. The Shamrocks will duel with the Hanover
Barons of the Western Jr. C league at 7:45 in Alliston and then take on league rivals from Midland and Fergus on Saturday at 3:15 and 9:15.
Erin will open the 2009-2010 season on the road as they travel to Penetang to see what the Kings are about on Friday September 18th. Your first chance to see the
boys at home is Saturday September 19th at 7:30 as they host the Fergus Devils.
Home Opener Saturday vs the Fergus Devils
Game On!
With the decisions made and the pre-season in the books, the Erin Shamrocks will begin play in the Georgian Mid-Ontario Junior C Season as they open with
two games this coming weekend. Erin travels to Penetang on Friday to meet the Kings and then return home Saturday to host their Wellington county rivals from
Fergus.
The pre-season tournament this past weekend in Alliston helped to finalize some difficult decisions. The Shamrocks won their division over the Hanover
Barons, Fergus Devils and Midland Flyers before succumbing to the Uxbridge Bruins in the semi-finals. Erin will return a lineup heavy with veterans but with
some youth and enthusiasm competing for ice time.
Up front, Tyler Hogan, Mark O’Blenis, Kyle Corcoran, Reid Parker, Kyle Bennett, Joel Thompson, Nick Pereira and Jon Bell will all be familiar faces to Shamrock
fans. They will be joined by Chris Terry and Josh Gault (Brampton AAA), Nick Vukelich (Toronto Under 21), Kyle MacMillan (Owen Sound Jr. B), Dan Cook (Notre
Dame High School) and Rob Turner (Georgetown AA). On the blueline, veterans Trevor Van Alstine, Brad Ethier, Cody Murphy and Jed Walmsley will be joined by
Taylor Brodie (Mississauga Senators), Brad Kri (Halton AAA), Jacob Poirier (Streetsville Jr. A) and Bill Hostrawser (Grand Valley). The goaltending duo of Lucas
Reid and Craig Byford return to backstop the veteran squad.
On the bench, coaches Young, Steen and Sumka will be joined by Craig Barnacal, former Devil’s head coach.
The Shamrocks will be looking to improve on their third place finish last season. Both teams above them in the standings (Alliston and Penetang) have a core of
returning veterans but with some significant holes to fill with the graduation of some talented senior players. It will take a trip or two around the league to figure
out where the “contenders” and “pretenders” are.
Returning this year as a feature of Shamrock home games in the “AMJ Campbell Shootout” where minor hockey players get a chance to win money by firing at
the AMJ goaltender. All minor hockey players get free admission to Shamrock home games and a chance to win the opportunity to take home the loot.
Action gets underway at 7:30 at Centre 2000. Come out and see what the buzz is all about as Shamrock hockey returns to town!
Week One
Shamrocks Drop the Devils
In front on a good crowd at Centre 2000 on Satuday evening, the Erin Shamrocks opened the home portion of their 2009-10 schedule with a 6-2 thumping of their
Wellington County rivals from Fergus. The win offset an opening loss to the Penetang Kings on Friday, an indication that this year’s Georgian Mid-Ontario crown will be
hotly contested.
On the first “AMJ Campbell Road Trip” of the season, the Kings struck first mid-way through the opening period only to see newcomer Chris Terry snap home a wrist shot
to tie it. Kyle Corcoran counted the assist. The second period saw the Shamrocks pepper the Penetang goal only to come up time and time again with nothing as
Penetang goaltender Jacob McKendry held the visitors at bay. The Kings would tally two of their own to claim a 3-1 advantage after two. The Shamrocks thought they
had carved in to the lead as a Reid Parker slapshot went through the Penetang net. Just about everyone in the building, except the ref, saw the goal but an inspection
of the net found no holes. The Kings would add two late goals for the 5-1 win. The Shamrocks look forward to their next game with the Kings.
On Saturday in the home opener, the Shamrocks applied intense pressure right from the drop of the puck and it paid off midway through the period as Kyle McMillan
buried his first of the season, on the powerplay, with assists going to Josh Gault and Brandon Tomines. Another Kyle, Corcoran, added to the lead as he converted
passes from Jed Walmsley and Mark O’Blenis to make it 2-0 at the first intermission. Early in the second, Tyler Hogan stretched the lead to three with his first of the
season on a pass from Trevor VanAlstine. The Shammies would make it four as McMillan claimed his second goal of the game with assist to Josh Gault and Bill
Hostrawser.
The Shamrocks would make it a five-spot as Chris Terry found the net off passes from Kyle Bennett and Reid Parker. Dylan Cunningham would break the shutout for the
Devils but Brad Ethier’s point shot would restore the five goal bulge. Jon Bell assisted on the sixth goal. The Devils would add a powerplay marker late in the frame to
make a 6-2 final.
The Shamrocks face a rare one game week as they host the Stayner Siskins on Saturday at Centre 2000. Game time is 7:30. Don’t miss what promises to be a very
entertaining Shamrock team for 2009-2010.
Week Two
Penalties Cost the Shamrocks
Three games into the Georgian Mid-Ontario season, it is early to be saying "coulda, woulda, shoulda" but the Stayner Siskins had Saturday's game handed to them by
some undisciplined play on the part of the Erin Shamrocks. The home side surrendered 5 powerplay goals in a 6-5 loss to the Siskins. The parade to the penalty box by
Erin proved to be the difference in the one goal loss.
Things opened well enough as Mark O'Blenis took passes from Josh Gault and Jd Walmsley and snapped home a wrist shot to give the Shamrocks a lead twenty seconds
into the game. Five minutes later, the Siskins tied it with the man advantage only to see Joel Thompson connect on his first of the season as he swept home a rebound.
The Siskins powerplay would click again before the period was out to tie the score at twos.
After the Siskins took the lead with their only even-strength marker of the game, Kyle Bennett tied it with his first of two goals on the night with an assist to Rob Turner.
The Siskins would rattle off three more powerplay goals in the second, interrupted only by Kyle Corcoran's second goal of the young season.
Although the Shamrocks controlled the play in the third period, the closest they could get was Kyle Bennett's bullet drive that caught the corner of the net to make it 6-
5. There was a crossbar late in the game but it was not to be. Lucas Reid and Craig Byford both saw action in the Shamrock goal while Chris Daniels went the distance
for Stayner.
Even strength, this game was no contest as the Shamrocks controlled the corners and had many scoring opportunities. . However, while it is early to call it a trend, the
Shamrocks are averaging over 30 minutes in penalties a game. Of the thirteen goals allowed this season, eight have been of the powerplay variety. The coaches will
need to deal with the undisciplined play and take advantage of their team speed and size.
They will have plenty of opportunity to do that this weekend as the "AMJ Campbell Road trip" makes stops in Schomberg on Thursday and then in Fergus on Sunday
night. In between, Erin will host the Midland Flyers on Saturday at Centre 2000 at 7:30. Come out and see what the buzz is all about as this year's edition of the
Shamrocks will bring you back time and time again.
Week Three
Shamrocks Take Three
The Erin Shamrocks got back on a winning track by taking three wins this weekend. Erin rallied to defeat the Schomberg Cougars 3-2 on Thursday, dropped the
Midland Flyers 3-1 on Saturday and completed the sweep with a 4-0 spanking of the Devils in Fergus. The weekend victories draw the Shamrocks into a second-place
tie in the GBMO standing with a 4-2 record.
On the “AMJ Campbell Road trip” to Schomberg, the Shamrocks dominated play but still found themselves on the wrong side of a 2-0 score entering the third period.
However, Tyler Hogan “lit the lamp” with six minutes remaining. Three minutes later, Chris Terry shoveled home a rebound to tie the game and Josh Gault directed
home a Bill Hostrawser point shot in the final minute to sneek out a win on the road.
At home on Saturday, the Shamrocks again enjoyed a territorial advantage but still found themselves scoreless after two periods. In the third, Chris Terry broke the
goose egg six minutes into the final frame and Reid Parkers blast seven seconds later gave the home side some breathing room. Nick Pereira provided the Shamrocks
with a three goal bulge only to see the Flyers break Craig Byford’s shutout bid with a little more than three minutes remaining.
The “AMJ Campbell Road trip” continued on Sunday as the Shamrocks took it to the Devils early. On the powerplay, Trevor VanAlstine found the back of the net, on
the powerplay, early in the first. The Devils continued their march to the penalty box all evening and it paid off for the Shamrocks in the second as Chris Terry and Josh
Gault cashed in powerplay goals. In the third, Mark O’Blenis continued the onslaught as he sniped a powerplay goal of his own to make it a 4-0 final. Craig Byford, for
the third time this weekend, was stellar when called upon and he claimed the shutout victory
The weekend was all about defence as the locals held the opposition to three goals in three games. Steady defensive play and good puck clearance was the
difference this weekend. However, things get a little tougher this coming week as the Shamrocks travel to Stayner for the Siskin’s home opener on Thursday and then
visit Alliston on Friday for their first tilt with the league-leading Hornets. With the Fall Fair in town, there is no home game this weekend. Next home action for Erin is
Saturday October 17th when they entertain the Fergus Devils at Centre 2000 at 7:30.
Week Five
Opportunities Lost
Good teams can overcome a few defensive turnovers. Good teams can overcome a lack of scoring finish. Good teams can overcome inconsistent goaltending.
However, not even great teams can overcome all three and that, in a nutshell, is the story of this weekend in the Georgian Mid-Ontario league. The Erin Shamrocks
started well enough with a 6-0 win in Schomberg against the Cougars but dropped back-to-back games against the Fergus Devils and Midland Flyers on Saturday and
Sunday to remain in the middle of the pack in the league after 11 games. The Shamrocks, at this point, are not playing like a good team on a consistent basis.
On the "AMJ Campbell Road Trip" to Schomberg, the Shamrocks scored two in each period to cruise to victory. Joel Thompson and Kyle Bennett scored in the first,
Tyler Hogan and Mark O'Blenis in the second and then Hogan again and Kyle Corcoran in the final frame to take the two points. Lucas Reid stopped 21 shots for the
shutout.
The Shamrocks were looking for more of the same on Saturday after having owned the Devils twice this season and things started well enough as Joel Thompson
opened the scoring with the only goal of the period. However, things went down hill from there as the Devils tallied three in the second and three more in the third to
hand the home side a 6-1 drubbing. The Shamrocks were guilty of some costly turnovers and odd-man rushes which lead to a few questionable goals. However, credit
the Devils for some jump and finish as they out-hustled and out-muscled the Shamrocks on the evening and were full measure for the two points. Fergus goaltender
Brendan Moore turned in a stellar performance for the win but must have had a sore chest as the majority of shots hit him square in the rib cage.
The "AMJ Campbell Road trip" to Midland was more of the same as the visitors again spent plenty of time in the Midland zone only to find a net with no openings. Erin
out-shot and out-played the Flyers but came out on the wrong end of a 4-2 score in a penalty-filled affair. Erin trailed 2-0 after the first but fought back to tie it in the
second on goals from Mark O'Blenis and Chris Terry. From there, the Flyers added two in the third for the win as goaltender Robbie Alsop made 40 saves, again, many
directed at the orange "M" on his jersey. Lucas Reid surrendered 4 goals on 35 shots to take the loss.
Eleven games in to the season, the Shamrocks were not expecting to be a game below .500. There is too much talent on this team to be in this spot. However, talent
is only as good as it plays. There is too much parity in this league to merely "show up" each night. There isn't a team in the league without a loss and there isn't one
without a win either - something not seen in this league in a while. Come to play or you will be beaten.
The Shamrocks face a stiff test this weekend as they travel to Alliston for a date with the 7 and 1 Hornets and then return the following night to host the Schomberg
Cougars at 7:30 at Centre 2000.
Week Six
Shamrocks Over Cougars
The Erin Shamrocks regained some of their scoring touch on Saturday evening as they dropped the Schomberg Cougars 4-0 in Georgian Mid-Ontario Junior C at
Centre 2000. Coupled with an earlier weekend loss to the Alliston Hornets, the Shamrocks find themselves hovering around the .500 level a third of the way
through the regular season schedule.
On the "AMJ Campbell Road Trip" to Alliston, one poor period did the Shamrocks in. A closely contested first frame saw the visitors a goal down but the Hornets
dominated the second period and added three goals to their total to carry a 4-0 lead into the third. Erin came back to life with an early powerplay goal as Kyle
Corcoran's wrist shot from the slot trickled into the Alliston goal. Tyler Hogan and Cody Murphy counted assists. Less than a minute later Kyle McMillan swatted
home an airborne puck to bring the deficit to two as Jon Bell and Josh Gault chipped in with helpers. Erin pressed for more, outshooting the Hornets 18-9 in the
period, but could not find the goal line. Craig Byford was strong in goal for the visitors as they outshot the Hornets 40-39 on the game.
A night later, the Shamrocks put together three good periods in dropping the Cougars for the third time this season. Kyle McMillan got it going midway through
the opening frame as he converted passes from Tyler Hogan and Josh Gault. Five minutes later, Kyle Bennett sent Hogan in alone and he found the five-hole to
make it a 2-0 score after twenty minutes. Jed Walmsley started the play and drew the second assist.
It was more of the same in the second as McMillan counted his second of the game, from Hogan and Josh Gault, to make it a 3-0 Shamrock lead. Minutes later,
Gault's cross-crease pass, intended for Tyler Hogan, hit a defender and slid into the unattended cage to give the home side their 4-0 margin. Hogan and
Walmsley counted helpers on the play. The Cougars had their chances in the third but Craig Byford slammed the door to claim the win.
A third of the way through the season, it can be said that this is a different year in the GBMO. Stayner, Penetang and Alliston have all jumped out to solid starts
and separated by a couple of points at the top of the standings. The Shamrocks find themselves in the middle with Fergus, Schomberg and Midland points apart
for the remaining spots. However, there are few "big numbers" being posted so far this season as each and every game is competitive with no clear
favourites. This week, the Shamrocks will square off with two of the leaders as they make the trip to Stayner on Thursday before returning home on Hallowe'en
night to entertain their rivals from Penetang.
For Shamrock fans, will it be "trick" or "treat"?
Week Eight
Short Bench catches up with Shamrocks
A weekend split of games - a 3-1 win in Midland and a 4-2 home loss to Alliston, leaves the Shamrocks spinning their wheels in fourth place in the Georgian Mid-
Ontario Standings. However, it could have been worse with the rash of injuries and sickness claiming healthy bodies this weekend. With the competitive
nature of the league this season, a five or six game win streak can make all the difference and the Shamrocks are hoping their hot streak comes soon.
There was lots of room on the Denny's bus for the "AMJ Campbell Road Trip" to Midland on Friday as the Shamrocks dressed 12 skaters and two goaltenders. A
mix of injury, sickness and work commitments made for the short bench and the first couple of periods showed as the Flyers and Shamnrocks played one of the
most "forgettable" two periods of hockey seen in a while. After a scoreless opener, Midland hit the scoresheet in the first minute of the second period and it
wasn't until the end of the frame that the Shamrocks managed to stuff one into the net as a display of quick hands from Kyle MacMillan tied it at one apiece after
two periods. Erin went ahead for good in the third as Reid Parker's powerplay goal, assisted by Cody Murphy, preceeded an empty-net solo effort by Kyle Bennett
to ice the road win. Craig Byford made 25 saves to notch the win.
One night later, the Alliston Hornets made their first visit of the season. There was a good pace to the opening frame as both teams had chances. However, it
was left to a deflection off the shaft of a stick to get the Hornets in flight and they would add to the lead with a powerplay goal with seconds remaining to take a 2-
0 lead. The only goal of the second period was a powerplay marker off the stick of Reid Parker, assisted by Mark O'Blenis and Nick Pereira, to draw the home
side to within a goal.
The third period featured some solid goaltending at both ends of the ice. Alliston would regain their two goal lead at the five minute mark only to have the
Shamrock's Jed Walmsley drift a screen shot from the point, again on the powerplay, to make it a one goal game. The Shamrocks pressed for the equalizer but
surrendered an empty-net effort in the final minute to make it a 4-2 final.
This weekend will see the "AMJ Campbell Road Trip" make a stop in Fergus while Saturday will feature the first-place Stayner Siskins at Centre 2000 at 7:30 on
Saturday. The Siskins hold the points-lead, having played a handful of games more than both Penetang and Alliston.
Let's see if the boys can begin a bit of a run!
Week nine
Shamrocks Sweep Weekend Games
It has been difficult this year for the Erin Shamrocks to string a couple of wins together but they made a start on a streak this weekend as they clobbered the
Fergus Devils 9-3 on Friday before sneaking out a 4-3 overtime win over the first place Stayner Siskins on Saturday. With the wins, the Shamrocks find
themselves with three teams in front of them and three behind as they approach the half way point in the regular season.
In Fergus, on the "AMJ Campbell Road Trip", the Shamrocks brought their "A" game on the big ice as they dominated all three periods, peppered the Fergus goal
with shots and saw the Devils go through three goaltenders (well, actually, two goaltenders and a forward dressed as a goalie). Reid Parker got it going five
minutes into the period as he connected on his fourth goal of the season, assisted by Taylor Brodie. Minutes later, Dan Cook played the give and go with Jon Bell
as he stretched the lead to two goals. A late period goal by Dylan Cunningham would keep the Devils in the game after a period.
Fergus would start the second with another goaltender as Brendan Moore, injured in the warm-up, could not answer the bell. The Shamrocks greeted Rob
Rankin with a string of four goals in the second period as Mark O'Blenis, Parker and two by Tyler Hogan made it a 6-1 Erin lead. Rankin was injured on the
second goal by Hogan as he was stretched a number of ways trying to corral the Hogan deke. The ref sent the teams to their rooms with over two minutes
remaining in the second.
As the teams emerged for the remainder, Devil's forward Ben Piluk was wearing the gear. The Shamrocks dialed it down several notches, staying away from
the crease and dumping it in. Kyle McMillan, Mark O'Blenis and Parker's third of the game were all that found net and the visitors left town with the 9-3 win.
Lucas Reid made 26 saves in the Erin goal for the win with the Fergus tenders collectively facing 53 shots on the night.
A night later, the league-leading Siskins came to town and the Shamrocks picked up where they left off, dominating the first two periods and holding a 3-1 lead on
goals from Parker, Trevor VanAlstine and Josh Gault. However, the third was a different story as the Siskins took advantage of some sloppy defensive work to
score two goals to send the game to overtime. A little more than a minute into extra time, Mark O'Blenis unleased a wrist shot that found the crossbar and then
the back of the net to give the home team the two points. Craig Byford was sharp in net for Erin, claiming the win, while Gary Walser faced over forty shots in the
Siskin goal to take the loss.
Erin takes to the ice this week with a road trip to Penetang on Friday and a home date with the Schomberg Cougars on Saturday. The annual "Dinner, Desert
Auction and Silent Auction" will take place this Saturday at 6:00 pm at Centre 2000. Tickets are $35 each and can be reserved by calling Gerry Corrigan at 519-
833-2509.
The Georgian Mid-Ontario league has announced four Shamrocks are eligible to play in this year's Allstar Game in Mount Forest on Sunday November 22nd.
Tyler Hogan and Cody Murphy have cracked the starting lineup that will face the best players from the Western junior C loop while Mark O'Blenis and Craig
Byford could see action as they have been named as alternates. Coach Tim Young will also represent the team as one of the three coaches. The winner of this
game will secure home ice advantage for their league in the first round of the OHA playoffs.
Week Ten
Comeback Tames the Cougars
Sometimes it happens that way.
On Saturday evening at Centre 2000, the Erin Shamrocks scored three goals in the final four minutes to upend the Schomberg Cougars 5-4 in a game that, really,
Erin had no business winning. On the other end of the spectrum, the Shamrocks dropped a close 3-2 decision in Penetang on Friday that Erin had no business
losing. In the end, it comes out even but the inconsistency of this team leaves many baffled.
On the "AMJ Campbell Road Trip" to Penetang, the Kings broke out in front early but the Shamrocks drew even on Taylor Brodie's first goal of the season, a point
shot that deflected off someone or something. The Kings struck for two quick goals in the second before the Shamrocks began to exert pressure. Early in the
third period, Tyler Hogan drew the visitors to within a goal. Erin ratcheted up the pressure, particularly late in the game, but could not find the equalizer. Craig
Byford played well, making 34 saves in a losing effort - a game that should have been a win.
Against the Cougars, Erin claimed the only goal of the opening period as Josh Gault counted his fifth goal of the season with assists to Chris Terry and Kyle
McMillan. Tyler Hogan extended the lead to two goals as he turned a Cougar defenceman inside out and slid it past the Schomberg goaltender. The Cougars
would respond, shorthanded, as Nick Weening slipped one by Lucas Reid to make it 2-1 after two periods.
The Cougars came out flying in the third and capitlaized on some sloppy Shamrock play as they scored three goals to take a 4-2 lead. It looked as though the
locals were done until Nick Pereira notched his third of the season with four minutes remaining. Jacob Poirier and Jon Bell assisted and, seconds later, Pereira
counted again to tie the game at fours with Chris Terry drawing the assist. Two minutes later, Tyler Hogan broke in on a two-on-one and unleashed a laser that
caught the top of the net, assists to Poirier and Mark O'Blenis, to give the home side a lead they would not relinquish. In the end, Erin claimed the win but it was
two points they were lucky to get.
At the mid-point of the season, the Shamrocks sit in fourth place having won eleven games while losing ten. The early season aspirations were higher than this.
If it is any consolation, there are a number of close losses indicating that the team can compete on any given night with anyone in the league. However, it is time
to prove this and there is no better place to start than the coming weekend with a trip to Stayner on Thursday and a Saturday visit from the Penetang Kings. Both
teams are above the Shamrocks in the standings so it is time to show if this team has what it takes to win.
Shamrocks Shine in Allstar Tilt
On Sunday in Mount Forest, the Georgian Mid-Ontario Allstar team took on the best from the Western Junior C league with the West coming away with a 5-4 win.
The Western League champion has now earned the right to claim the home ice advantage in the first round of the OHA playdowns when their respective league
champs meet.
For the Georgian league, Tyler Hogan of the Erin Shamrocks was named the most valuable player on the basis of his two point performance. Cody Murphy of the
Shamrocks added a goal while Erin's Mark O'Blenis and Kyle McMillan added a point each. All in all, a solid performance by our locals on the allstar stage
Last Shot Wins
In one of the most entertaining games of the season, the Erin Shamrocks dropped a 4-3 shootout decsion to the Penetang Kings on Saturday at Centre 2000.
Coupled with another close 4-3 loss to the Stayner Siskins on the road on Thursday, the Shamrocks failed to gain ground on the league leaders in the Georgian
Mid-Ontario league.
In Stayner, the Shamrocks made the Siskins play catch-up as they took a 2-1 first period lead by virtue of two goals by Chris Terry. Kyle McMillan assisted on
both while Josh Gault added a helper of his own. However, the Siskins counted two unanswered goals in the second period before Dan Cook tied the game for
Erin early in the third. The Siskins would score the eventual game winner a few minutes later and hold off a late flurry by the Shamrocks as they fired 19 shots at
the Stayner goaltender in the third period only to come up short. On the night, Erin fired 52 shots at the Siskin goal while Craig Byford faced 31 in the Shamrock
goal.
On Saturday, Erin would score the only goal of the opening frame as Mark O'Blenis fed Tyler Hogan for his 12th goal of the season. The Kings would rebound
midway through the second period, on the powerplay, but Mark O'Blenis out-hustled a Penetang defender and beat Jacob McKendry to restore the Shamrock
advantage.
The Kings would draw even as Mike Mawdsley notched his second of the game but, less than a minute later, O'Blenis would reply with his second goal and third
point of the evening to put Erin back in front. With five minutes remaining, Brad Baum would sneak between the Erin defence and tie the game. Overtime settled
nothing and the shootout saw the Kings claim the win as two shooters would beat Craig Byford while the Shamrocks would come up empty.
While the Shamrocks sit with eleven losses on the season, seven of those have been one-goal games. They have played well enough to win most nights and,
with a little more offensive touch, this team can play with the top three teams in this league. Defensively, the Shamrocks have been solid all season and the
goaltending has been good enough to win most nights. Add a goal-a-game to this lineup and this team can contend. Whether that scoring comes from the current
roster, a revamped powerplay or the addition of another player or two remains to be seen.
The Shamrocks face a rare one-game weekend as they welcome the Fergus Devils to town on Saturday December 5th for a 7:30 puck drop
Week Twelve
Shamrocks Down the Devils
The Erin Shamrocks climbed back above the .500 level on Saturday with a 6-4 win over their Wellington County rivals from Fergus. With a stretch of games
coming up against the top team from Alliston, the win solidified Erin's hold on fourth place and a possible home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
The Shamrocks hit the board first as Mark O'Blenis took a cross-crease pass from Tyler Hogan and beat Fergus goaltender Brendan Moore with a sharp wrist
shot. Josh Gault also drew an assist on the play. However, with a couple of minutes remaining in the opening period, Sean Little drew the visitors even as he
beat Erin goaltender Lucas Reid to make it 1-1 after one.
The Devils took the lead midway through the game as Dylan Cunningham buried his league-leading 21st goal of the season only to have the Shamrocks strike for
two goals in less than sixteen seconds. Tyler Hogan notched his 13th of the season, on the powerplay, with assists going to O'Blenis and Trevor VanAlstine.
Seconds later, Reid Parker put the home side ahead as he converted passes from Nick Pereira and Dan Cook to give the home team the advantage after two
periods.
Fergus evened the scoring in the opening minute of the third period before the Shamrocks would respond. Chris Terry counted his ninth goal of the season with
assists from Jon Bell and Jed Walmsley. Three minutes later, Jon Bell and Jacob Poirier would combine to set up Josh Gault for make it a two goal advantage
for Erin. With two minutes remaining, the Devils would make it interesting as Ethan Jobb made it a one goal game. However, Jon Bells's empty-netter in the
final minute, his third point of the period, would salt the win away for the Shamrocks. Chris Terry assisted on the final tally and Lucas Reid claimed the win in
goal.
The going gets tougher for the Shamrocks however, as they have five games remaining in December, three of them against the league-leading Alliston Hornets,
beginning with a home and home matchup this weekend. Erin travels to Alliston for a Friday night date while the Hornets return the favour on Saturday evening
at Centre 2000. The final meeting with the Hornets this month takes place on Sunday December 27th as the Shamrocks host their annual "Alumni Game". The
alumni take to the ice at 6:00 pm prior to the tilt with Alliston at 7:30. Shamrock Alumni can register for the game by contacting Gerry Corrigan at
gcorrigan@rogers.com.
Week Thirteen
Hornets Take Four Points
It wasn't a great weekend if you are a fan of the Erin Shamrocks as they dropped both ends of a home and home series this weekend with the league-leading
Alliston Hornets. On Friday, the Hornets laid a 9-2 thumping on Erin and followed it up with a 5-2 win in Erin on Saturday.
The Shamrocks went into the weekend knowing it would be tough with a number of regulars missing because of family commitments, injury or exams. On
Friday, on the "AMJ Campbell Road Trip", the Hornets jumped into a three goal lead in the first by virtue of three powerplay goals. Trailing 4-0 in the second, the
Shamrocks scrambled back to within two goals as Kyle Bennett and Dan Cook found the net but a late period goal for the Hornets squashed any hopes of a
comeback. Alliston would add four more goals in the final five minutes of play to claim the lopsided win.
On Saturday it was round two of the weekend tilt. Again, the Hornets jumped into an early lead, claiming two goals in the opening period. However, the
Shamrocks came back in the second period, exerting tremendous pressure on the Alliston net but getting turned away shot after shot by goaltender Motz. After
weathering the Erin barrage, the Hornet turned the tables adding a third goal to their total. Finally, the Shamrocks broke through as Nick Pereira found the back
of the net to make it 3-1. Kyle Bennett and Reid Parker drew the assist and the Erin was back in the game.
The Hornets goaltending clinic continued in the third and the league leaders added to the total with three more goals to put the game out of reach making it a 6-2
final. Thge Shamrocks put on a much better effort and dominated stretches of the game but could not finish. If you can't finish against Alliston, it's going to be a
long night.
The Shamrocks hope to fill out the bench this week as they welcome back some missing team mates for the trip to Fergus on Friday. On Saturday, the
Shamrocks host the Stayner Siskins at 7:30 at Centre 2000.
Keep December 27 circled on your calendar as the Shamrock alumni take to the ice at 6:00 pm in advance on another visit from Alliston. Join the "vintage
Shammies" upstairs for refreshments following the game with a few stories being swapped as well. After a couple of days with the relatives, escape to Centre
2000 for some old-time hockey.
Week Fourteen
A Weekend Split
It's like spinning your wheels, or kissing your sister. Another win/loss weekend for the Erin Shamrocks leaves them no further ahead but no further behind in the
Georgian Mid-Ontario Hockey League standings. After they gutted out a 4-2 win in Fergus on Friday, their comeback against the Stayner Siskins came up a goal
short in a 4-3 loss on Saturday.
On the "AMJ Campbell Raod Trip" across Wellington County, Erin spotted the home side the early lead on defensive miscue. Early in the secon, Dan Cook put
things back on even terms with his seventh goal of the season, assisted by Reid Parker and Jed Walmlsey. After Fergus reclaimed the lead, Tyler Hogan tied it
up again as Mark O'Blenis put him the clear for his team-leading fourteenth goal of the season. In the third, goals by Chris Terry and another by Cook sealed the
two points for the visitors as Josh Gault and Reid Parker added helpers. Craig Byford made 29 saves on the night as Erin won its third game of the season on
Fergus ice.
On Saturday at Centre 2000, the Siskins got it rolling early as Erin made a steady stream to the penalty box, leading to a powerplay marker with five minutes
remaining in the period. The Siskins would add another to claim a two goal lead after the opening period. The parade continued in the second and it paid off with
two more Stayner powerplay goals as the Siskins were rolling after two period with a 4-0 lead.
The Shamrocks got serious in the third as newcomer Rob Mair notched his first of the season in a Shamrock uniform as Taylr Brodie sent him in alone. Reid
Parker would bury his ninth of the season less than a minute later with helpers coming from Kyle Bennett and Nick Pereira. The same three would combine with
five minutes remaining to make it a one goal lead but a late penalty against the home team stifled the notion of any comeback as the Siskins escaped with a 4-3
win. Craig Byford was steady but took the loss in the Erin cage.
The Shamrocks have most of the holiday weekend off but return to the ice on Sunday December 27th as they face the Alliston Hornets at 7:30 at Centre 2000.
Prior to the game, the Shamrock alumni will reassemble for their third annual Christmas reunion game at 6:00 pm. There will be a booster club for this game
along with roast beef on a bun during and after the contest.
On Tuesday December 29th, the Shamrocks will take on the Australian Under 20 national team at Teen Ranch Ice Corral at 7:30 pm. Make the trip to the Ranch
(Hwy 10 south of Orangeville) to see what "hockey down under" has to offer. Cheer on your Shamrocks as they take to the international stage
Week Fifteen
Hornets Jump on Shamrock Mistakes
While this is not the same dominant Alliston team of the past two seasons, let's be clear - you can't make mistakes against the Hornets and hope to beat them.
The Erin Shamrocks coughed up the puck numerous times in their own end and came out on the wrong end of a 7-4 decision on Sunday night at Centre 2000. The
first place Hornets "can be had" but it takes a consistent effort at both ends of the rink to make that happen.
Erin started strongly as Rob Mair notched his second goal in three games as a Shamrock, on the powerplay, from Tyler Hogan and Marc O'Blenis. Minutes later,
O'Blenis made it 2-0 as his wrist shot found the back of the Alliston cage. Mair and Hogan drew assists. However, the Hornets responded with two quick goals
of their own, one on the powerplay and one on a defensive giveaway only to see Erin regain the lead as Dana Tenenbaum's powerplay goal put the home side
ahead after the first period. Chris Terry and Taylor Brodie counted helpers on the go-ahead goal.
The only two goals of the second period came within 20 seconds of one another as the Hornets took advantage of sloppy defensive work to take the lead.
Alliston continued this trend in the third with two quick goals to bring the Shamrocks to their knees. Josh Gault's shorthanded solo effort brought the Shamrocks
to within a couple of goals but that would be as close as they would get on this night. Another game with the Hornets, another loss, enough said.
On paper, Alliston has dominated Erin this season although the same can be said of their record against all teams in the league. However, this Hornet team
relies on defensive mistakes and they take full advantage of powerplays to gain the advantage. Erin has had problems with penalties all season - very
uncharacteristic of this organization over the past five years. It will be up to the coaching staff to iron this problem out before the playoffs begin in five weeks.
The Shamrocks will host the Penetang Kings on Saturday of this coming week and then head to Fergus for the renewal of that rivalry on Sunday.
The annual "Shamrock Alumni Game" took centre stage prior to the game on Sunday with the "Nobles" defeating the "Steens" 7-5 in a boisterous, up-tempo
affair. This yearly classic drew over 30 former Shamrocks back home to relive past victories and renew lasting friendships. It is nice to see how many fondly
remember their time in an Erin uniform and this event continues to grow each year as plans call for a four team event next season
Week Sixteen
Shamrocks in Hillsburgh on Saturday
Erin Rings in the New Year
The Erin Shamrocks got the new year rolling in style with a pair of close wins on the weekend as they dumped the Penetang Kings 4-2 on Saturday and followed
that up with a 3-2 squeaker in Fergus on Sunday. With the playoffs a month away, Erin appears to be getting their act together at the right time.
The Shamrocks started the week with a "friendly" against the Australian Under 20 National team and disposed of the Aussies 7-4. It was an entertaining contest,
mostly a "no-hitter" as neither team was looking to add injuries. The Aussies held a 3-1 lead entering the third, even though Erin had fired almost 50 shots at the
Australian net. The Shammies hit another gear in the third period and netted five goals in the first eight minutes and cruised to the 7-4 win.
At home on Saturday to the second-place Penetang Kings, the Shamrocks hit the scoresheet early as Tyler Hogan found the net a little more than two minutes into
the game. Seven minutes later, on the powerplay, Nick Pereira swatted home his sixth goal of the season with assists going to Mark O'Blenis and Taylor
Brodie. Both teams carried a hectic pace through the remainder of the first period and well into the second frame as Craig Byford of the Shamrocks and Jacob
McKendry faced numerous shots but thwarted all scoring attempts. Late in the second, with a Shamrock in the penalty box, the Kings crept to within a goal as
Tyler Lumley's screen shot found the Erin cage.
Six minutes into the third period, Curtis Watson drew the Kings even at two goals apiece but, less than a minute later, Josh Gault's shorthanded solo dash put
the home side in front to stay. Chris Terry would add an empty-netter to make it a 4-2 Erin victory.
In Fergus, two goals by Josh Gault and a single by Mark O'Blenis in the first period was all the Shamrocks would need on the evening as Lucas Reid stopped 37
shots for the Erin victory. Erin held the 3-1 advantage after the first period and gave up a goal to the Devils in the second but kept the scoresheet clean in the
third to earn their sixth victory of the season against Fergus, a potential first round playoff opponent.
This weekend, Erin travels to Penetang for a visit with the Kings on Friday and the Shamrocks make their annual visit to Hillsburgh this Saturday with a 7:30
start against the Schomberg Cougars. The game is hosted by the Hillsburgh Canadians oldtimers who will run a booster club beginning at 6:30 pm. Pizza will
also be available upstairs at the Community Centre. Come out and enjoy the "bang and crash" that is always on display when Erin travels to Hillsburgh
Week Seventeen
Another Weekend Split.
The Erin Shamrocks continue to hover around the .500 level with a 5-2 loss in Penetang and a 5-3 win over Schomberg on Saturday. Just when you think the
team has turned a corner, another roadblock gets in the way of this team stringing together a few wins in a row.
On the "AMJ Campbell Road Trip" to Penetang, the Shamrocks struck early in the first as Reid Parker knocked home a rebound of a Kyle Bennett wrist shot a
couple of minutes into the game. The Kings responded midway through the first period and then capitalized on a five on three powerplay to take the lead before
the end of the period. The Kings went up by two goals at the mid-point of the second period only to see Dana Tenenbaum's point shot find the net to cut the lead in
half. However, with 10 seconds remaining in the second period, a giveaway in the Erin zone led to a fourth King's goal. Penetang salted away the win with
another marker in the third period to make it a 5-2 final. Penetang outshot the visitors 36-30 with Jacob McKendry claiming the win and Craig Byford taking the
loss.
At the annual "bang and crash" in Hillsburgh on Saturday, the Shamrocks got out of the blocks early as Nick Pereira's wrist shot found the top of the Schomberg
net to give Erin the lead. Reid Parker and Kyle Bennett drew the assists on the play. Before the end of the period, Dan Cook shovelled home a rebound in the
crease to make it a two goal lead with Jon Bell and Taylor Brodie providing the assist.
Early in the second, Pereira added his second of the game as he converted a pass from Reid Parker to increase the lead to three. However, from there it fell
apart defensively for the Shamrocks as misplays and giveways led to three consecutive goals for the Cougars and a tie score after two periods.
With seven minutes remaining in the third period, Chris Terry slid a cross-crease pass to Josh Gault who made no mistake in putting Erin back in the lead and
Terry would add a goal of his own into the empty net to clinch the win for the home side. Another game in Hillsburgh, another win as the Shamrocks have
enjoyed good fortune playing there. Maybe a playoff series in Hillsburgh?
With the playoffs a month away, the team knows what it needs to do. Team discipline will be emphasized along with some consistency on the powerplay. The
team is comfortable and confident in their line combinations and the defense is getting healthy.
The Shamrocks face a rare three game weekend as they travel to Schomberg on Thursday to return the favour with the Cougars and then return home to face the
league-leading Alliston Hornets on Saturday. Erin will play an “off-site” home game on Sunday in Grand Valley when they entertain the Midland Flyers at 6:00 pm
Week Eighteen
Shamrocks Take Two of Three
The Erin Shamrocks claimed four of six points on the weekend with a 5-1 win over the Schomberg Cougars on Thursday and a 3-2 squeaker over the Midland
Flyers in Grand Valley on Sunday. Sandwiched between the wins was a 9-4 thumping at the hands of the Alliston Hornets at Centre 2000 on Saturday with the
playoffs looming a couple of weeks away.
On the "AMJ Campbell Road Trip" to Schomberg, the teams played a scoreless first period before Kyle Bennett got untracked for the Shamrocks. His first of the
game came 5 minutes into the period as he converted a Nick Pereira rebound. Five minutes later, Pereira and Reid Parker combined to put Bennett on the board
for the second time and early in the third, he completed the natural hat trick on a pass from Kyle McMillan. After the Cougars converted on a defensive zone
gaffe, Mark O'Blenis restored the lead with his seventeenth goal of the season from Tyler Hogan and Rob Mair. Nick Pereira finished it off from Kyle Bennett and
Talor Brodie to make it a 5-1 final. Lucas Reid claimed the win in the Erin net.
On Saturday, the Shamrocks controlled the first nine minutes of the opening frame but couldn't find the back of the net. From there, the Hornets took over and
scored four goals in the next five minutes (add a goal for Erin in there as well) to take control of the game. The Hornet’s continued their dominance in the second
period, outscoring the home side 3-1 and the third period broke down completely as both sides showed a lack of self-control although the antics displayed by the
Hornet bench was embarrassing at best. These teams don’t like each other at all and it was clearly shown in this game. Shamrock goals were scored by Tyler
Hogan, Kyle McMillan, Dan Cook and Mark O’Blenis while Craig Byford and Lucas Reid shared the goaltending loss.
Erin travelled to Grand Valley on Sunday for an off-site home game with the Midland Flyers. In front of a good crowd, the Shamrocks took the lead as Rob Mair
found a hole in Midland goaltender Rob Alsop. Josh Gault and Trevor VanAlstine assisted on the opening goal. Early in the second, Mair notched his second of
the game, unassisted but the Flyers would add one of their own late in the period to cut the lead in half. Midway through the third, the Flyers tied the game at two
as the Midland goaltender made numerous spectacular saves to keep his club in the hunt. It appeared as though the game was headed to overtime but Rob Mair
finished what he started as he took a beautiful cross-crease pass from Tyler Hogan to complete the hat trick and send the crowd home happy. Craig Byford made
28 stops for the Shamrock win while Rob Alsop turned aside 42 shots in the Midland goal.
With six games remaining on the Shamrock schedule, it looks as though they will square off against either the Fergus Devils or the Midland Flyers in the first
round of the Georgian Mid-Ontario playoffs. The Devils currently hold a two point advantage for fifth spot in the standings. This week, the Shamrocks will meet
the Hornets for the final time on the regular season schedule as they travel to Alliston on Friday before returning home to host the Stayner Siskins on Saturday at
Centre 2000. The Shamrocks will host their annual “Minor Hockey Day” on Sunday January 31st at 2:30 when they host the Midland Flyers. There will be raffles
and draws for all minor hockey players in attendance with the “AMJ Campbell Shootout” finals being held. Shootout winners from this season will have a
chance to shoot for $1000, courtesy of AMJ Campbell Van Lines..
Week Nineteen
Shamrocks Clock Some Overtime
Sixty minutes wasn't enough this weekend as both Shamrock games went to "extra time" to decide winners. On Friday, the Alliston Hornets needed a shootout
to disperse of the pesky Shamrocks 6-5 while the home side turned the trick with an 3-2 overtime triumph of the third place Stayner Siskins on Saturday. The
Shamrocks are starting to put together some good results with the playoffs on the horizon.
On the "AMJ Campbell Road Trip" to Alliston, the Hornets grabbed the first period lead but the Shamrocks went to work in the second frame as Tyler Hogan and
Rob Mair scored minutes apart. The Hornets would tie the game at twos before Kyle McMillan directed home a Jon Bell pass that put Erin into the lead at the end
of two. The third period was a see-saw affair as Reid Parker gave Erin a two goal lead only to have the Hornets reply minutes later. Trevor VanAlstine broke in
alone and restored the two goal advantage but Alliston would chip away and eventually tie the game with three minutes remaining. From there, the goalies took
over, shutting the door through regulation and overtime. In the shootout, the Hornets would cash in on two of five shots while the visiting Shamrocks found the
back of the net only once. The game was kept in reach by the goaltending of Garret Mott in his first start of the season for Erin. Although he took the loss, he
kept his team in a position to win all evening.
On Saturday, it was one of the fastest and hardest-hitting games in recent memory. After a scoreless first period, Chris Terry got the home side going with a
powerplay goal as he deflected home a point shot from Cody Murphy. Tyler Hogan drew an assist on the goal as well. Less than a minute later, the Siskins
would tie the game but Erin would recapture the lead before the end of the period as Bill Hostrawser's hard work put the puck on the stick of Kyle McMillan
whose shot appeared to hit the back bar of the net. Dan Cook shovelled the rebound home to make certain and it was Cook who was credited with the go-ahead
tally.
The Siskins would work to tie the game early in the third period and it was left to the goaltenders to turn aside all chances as Erin's Lucas Reid and Stayner's
Chris Daniels put on a show for the remainder of the third, forcing overtime for the second consecutive night. This time, the Shamrocks did not leave it to
chance as Kyle Bennett took a pass from Reid Parker and Bennett's wrist shot from the top of the faceoff circle trickled through Daniel's pads to send the crowd
home happy. It was the third overtime win of the season over the Siskins and sets up the return match on Thursday as Erin returns the favour and travels to
Stayner.
The Shamrocks are home twice next weekend against potential playoff opponents as they host the Fergus Devils on Saturday night at 7:30 and the Midland Flyers
at 2:30 Sunday afternoon for their annual "Minor Hockey Day". The finals of the "AMJ Campbell Shootout" will be held on Sunday as Nigel Ridge and Brendan
McGrath will each shoot for a chance at $1000, courtesy of AMJ Campbell Van Lines. A $1.00 raffle wil be held for Shamrocks t-shirts and hats so come on out
and catch the action
Week Twenty
Jekyll and Hyde?
The Erin Shamrocks gave their fans two completely different looks on the weekend - an ugly 6-5 loss to the Fergus Devils on Saturday and a neat and tidy 8-0
spanking of the Midland Flyers on Sunday. With these results, the Georgian Mid-Ontario quarter-finals are set with the Shamrocks facing off against their
Wellington County rivals from Fergus beginning at Centre 2000 on Tuesday February 9th at 8:30 pm.
After a postponement on Thursday in Stayner due to inclement weather, the Shamrocks bumbled and fumbled their way through the first period with the Devils,
allowing five goals in the opening frame and trailing 5-2 entering the second. The Shamrock defence coughed up a "furball" and the Devils pounced on every
opportunity. Erin shook off their early ineptitude and slowly chipped away at the lead as Mark O'Blenis and Kyle McMillan (his second of the game) got the score
to 6-4 at the end of the second period. While Erin dominated the third frame, all they could count was Nick Pereira's tenth of the season to bring the score to 6-5.
Garret Mott and Lucas Reid shared goaltending duties for Erin and took the loss whil David Bartolomucci notched the win in net for the Devils.
It was a different team that took to the ice on Sunday as Trevor VanAlstine opened the scoring midway through the first period with assists going to Rob Mair and
Kyle Corcoran. Nick Pereira made it a deuce as he converted a Tyler Hogan pass with less than a minute remaining in the first. The Shamrocks upped their lead
to three as Rob Mair bagged his seventh of the season with helpers from Taylor Brodie and Corcoran.
Early in the third period, Bill Hostrawser deflected home an Aston Waters point shot for his first of the season and from there the flood gates opened. On "Minor
Hockey Day", Erin-Hillsburgh's Nick Pereira finished the hat trick with two third period markers, both assisted by Hogan and O'Blenis. Corcoran got his third
point of the afternoon as he took passes from Mair and VanAlstine to make it 7-0 and Reid Parker rounded out the scoring from Kyle Bennett. Craig Byford wasn't
busy but made the saves he needed to in claiming the shutout.
The highlight of the afternoon was left to Nigel Ridge who took home $1000 for sinking a five-hole shot in the "AMJ Campbell Shootout" finals from outside the
blueline. AMJ Cambell's Wayne Davis was on hand to present Nigel with some crisp hundred dollar bills for his shooting prowess.
The Shamrocks complete the season with a trip to Midland to do battle with the Flyers on Friday before returning home Tuesday February 9th at 8:30 for game one
of the GBMO quarterfinals. Come out and see these Wellington County rivals do battle in exciting junior hockey action
Advantage Erin
Few people thought the Fergus Devils would go quietly in the Georgian Mid-Ontario quarter-final playoff series but it took until game four for them to claim a win. The
Devils avoided elimination with an exciting 1-0 overtime win in game four of their series with the Shamrocks but trail the series three game to one returning to Centre
2000 on Wednesday
Game one is Erin resembled pond hockey as both sides turned the puck over early and often as the goaltenders were waving the white flag in the 8-5 game. Fergus
held the first period lead but the Shamrocks exploded for four goals in the second and three more in the third for the win. Tyler Hogan led Erin with 3 goals while Rob
Mair added a goal and 3 assists. Kyle Corcoran added three points of his own while Craig Byford survived in the Shamrock goal for the win.
The next night in Fergus, the Shamrocks left nothing to chance as they counted five first period goals en route to the 6-1 clubbing. Mark O'Blenis, Trevor VanAlstine
and Kyle Corcoran had two points each on the night and Byford returned to form with a stellar performance.
Game three on Erin ice was more of the same as the Shamrocks struck early with two goals in the first 70 seconds of the game to get them on their way to a 6-0
shutout. Josh Gault, Chris Terry, Rob Mair and Kyle Corcoran each chipped in two point for the home side with Craig Byford booking his second solid start and earning
the shutout.
With a chance to wrap it up in Fergus on Sunday night, the Shamrocks must have left their game sticks at home as the potent offense of the first three games deserted
them. Forty-six shots led to 46 saves by Fergus netminder David Bartolomucci and it required overtime to decide as Craig Byford was equally stellar. However, Reid
Zorzi's shot seven minutes in to the overtime allowed the Devil's to live for another day
The Erin Shamrocks can close out their series with the Fergus Devils on Wednesday at 8:30. Come out and enjoy exciting GBMO playoff action
Shamrocks Dump the Hornets
Sounds good, something that hasn't been uttered for 2 1/2 years, but the Erin Shamrocks squared their best-of-seven semi-final with the Alliston Hornets by virtue of their
1-0 win in game two. For the Shamrock faithful who braved the elements, it was a game to remember
After dismissing a pesky bunch of Fergus Devils, the Erin Shamrocks find themselves facing the All-Ontario finalists from 2009 and the reigning league champions from
Alliston. The Hornets, losers of only two games on the season, have enjoyed the first round bye and were healthy and ready to defend their GBMO crown. However, the
Shamrocks needed to "take care of business" with the Fergus Devils on Saturday at Centre 2000.
The Shamrocks jumped into a three game lead over the Devils before hibernating for the next three games to force a game seven, “winner take all” match on Saturday.
Before a large crowd, the Shamrocks regained their scoring and defence to post a 6-1 victory and end the season for the Devils.
Leading the charge for the home side was Jon Bell with 3 goals and an assist. The line of Bell, Dan Cook and Bill Hostrawser combined for nine points on the night.
Kyle McMillan and Tyler Hogan “lit the lamp” as well. Both teams showed playoff discipline as their were only five minor penalties called on the night. Craig Byford
was strong in the Erin goal and gave his team mates the defensive support they needed.
It was a short turnaround for the Shamrocks as they played game one in Alliston on Sunday. After a scoreless opening period, Alliston drew first blood midway through
the second period only to see Kyle Corcoran tie it up off a pass from Rob Mair in the final minute of the second. In the third, two powerplay goals for the Hornets sealed
the opening game win.
In a very unlikely scenario, amidst a snowstorm, the Shamrocks gutted out a 1-0 win in game two. Playing their fourth game in four nights, missing seven players and
with only 3 regular defencemen, the Shamrocks held the visitors scoreless for the first time this season, due largely to a sound defensive game plan, solid team play and
the exceptional goaltending of Craig Byford. The only goal of the game came shorthanded in the second period as Chris Terry tipped home a Rob Mair rebound and
Erin held on from there. Craig Byford was stellar on the evening, stopping all 42 shots he faced, while Erin threw 27 pucks at the Alliston net.
Game three of the series goes Wednesday night in Alliston and the Shamrocks return home for game four on Saturday February 27th at 7:30 at Centre 2000. Game five
is in Alliston on Sunday February 28th with the sixth game in Erin on Wednesday March 3rd.
The boys need a crowd on Saturday - plan on being there!
