PORT WHITBY - During the regular season long weekends are notorious for poor performances. Often one team will not show mentally and the result is a onesided affair or a big upset. Now when it comes to the opening game of the semi finals, at home and against the Mann Cup champions, one would expect a team to show up. Alas the Brooklin Redmen looked like they had gotten the best suntan and drank the most beer this past weekend. Their defence was weak and their goaltending atrocious as Brampton smoked them early enroute to a comfortable 15-10 victory.
It was a tentative beginning for both clubs. Gavin Prout had a couple of in close chances but Bob Watson stoned him. It took over 4 minutes for Brampton to get a shot on goal. Their second, third and fourth shots all went in. Soon after you could count five easy goals. Peter Lough finished a fast break to get the home side on the board. The Excelsiors answered right back. Josh Sanderson completed his hattrick as he made it 7-2. That was 7 goals and 4 saves for Gee Nash, who was pulled for the rest of the period. Even with the period's lone power play the Redmen mustered little. Great ragging by Chris Driscoll - who had a 5 assist first period - killed much of the penalty. As the visitors returned to full strength Rusty Kruger made it 8-2.
Mash's return led to another goal 27 seconds into the second period. Sanderson undressed Bill Greer with a fabulous move then bulged the twine. Brooklin managed to hang in this frame. The high point was two quick goals to get back to 11-7. Gavin Prout scored on the power play then set up Mike Daley off a pretty pick and roll. The Excelsiors finished the scoring with a Colin Doyle shot right through Gee Nash.
They struck again early in the third to go up 13-7. After that the goal rush dried as Nash played much better. By the 10 minute mark the Redmen inched back to 13-10. Once again Prout drew two defenders as he dished to Scott Stapleford for the goal. That was Prout's seventh assist but the last hurrah for the Brooklin offence. Brampton nursed its lead home, then Josh Sanderson put the icing on the cake with a penalty shot goal. 15-10 Excelsiors.
Redmen head coach Troy Cordingley did not survive this contest. In the opening period Martin gave him a bench minor for questioning a call. In the third Gardonio threw him out for objecting to another decision. In neither case did Cordingley use any unacceptable language so I was surprised by both decisions against him. Personally I think foul language or personal insults should be penalised immediately, every time, while shouting loudly but cleanly should be tolerated.
Was interesting to see the contrasts in defensive styles. Brooklin struggled with Brampton's pick and rolls, when Excelsiors had a mind to really use them. At the other end I was amazed to see how many Brampton players play defence with only one hand on the stick. Very effective as the opponent is snookered either way he goes. One way he gets hooked by the stick. The other way the defender grabs his shoulder pad. Extremely effective when the referees will not call off the ball holding. I kind of thought that kind of thing was illegal.
Power Play goals
Brampton: none
Brooklin: 3 - Prout, Crosbie, Derks
Shorthanded goals
Brampton: none
Brooklin: none
Draws
Sandy Chapman: 9 won 15 lost
Gavin Prout: 8 won 6 lost
Peter Lough: 7 won 4 lost
Steve Toll: 3 won 0 lost
Ryan Sanderson: 1 won 0 lost
Jim Moss: 0 won 3 lost
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