Kirkland Lake still has a shot
Kirkland Lake Gold Miners are winless through two games at the Dudley-Hewitt Cup, Central Canada Jr. A hockey playdowns.
But with one game left in the four-team round-robin, the Gold Miners still have a shot at advancing to the semi-final playoffs.
The Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League champions will play next on Thursday afternoon against the champs of the Superior International Jr. Hockey League, the Fort Frances Lakers.
It will be a must-win match for Kirkland Lake if it hopes to advance to a semi-final game on Friday.
After losing its DHC opener 4-1 to the host Wellington Dukes on Tuesday, Kirkland Lake lost again on Wednesday afternoon — a 4-1 setback at the hands of the Ontario Jr. Hockey League champion Toronto Lakeshore Patriots.
Brandon Barrett scored the only goal for Kirkland Lake in the Game 2 loss to Toronto, converting an Ethan Strong shot from the point for the tally.
PHOTO: Kirkland Lake defenceman Ethan Strong in action at the Dudley-Hewitt Cup playdowns in Wellington, Ont. (Photo by Shawn Muir.)
Come on Miners…Don’t get down you guys can do this!
GO MINERS GO!
The Gold Miners will knock off Fort Frances by at least 3 goals.
This is not surprise – please tell me people didn’t think the NOJHL participant in the Dudley was going to win it. Even had the T-Birds advanced I would have not placed my money on therm despite their lofty ranking. Sorry to throw cold water on peoples hopes – it’s just that the leagues in Southern Ontario are just so much better, but not all the time, just the majority of it.
There were 4 turning points that stuck out for me today:
1. The Gold Miners lose Wilber in the first period for the rest of the game (and ends his junior career as it turns out);
2. On the subsequent PP, Fort Frances scores with just 10 seconds left in the period;
3. With just 19 seconds left in the second period Fort Frances scores again;
4. In the final period the Gold Miners are trailing by two and putting on relentless pressure and are finally rewarded with a goal to narrow the gap to win. Just moments later a defensive breakdown and Fort Frances scores to put a dagger in the hearts of the Gold Miners.
Kirkland Lake fans should be proud as their team never quit and can always point out that they did knock off the # 1 ranked team in Canada, the Soo T-Birds.
The Miners worked hard and never gave up . They are to be congratulated on a wonderful season both on and off of the ice . A fine group of young men who brought a great deal of positives to the town . Best of luck to those who move on and may they all enjoy playing the game well into their golden years .