Minor Hockey at its Best

The Richmond Ice House was the Scene Sunday March 8, 2009 for the winner take all final game of Pool 1 play-downs. The Richmond Royals Pee Wee B's were up against the West Carlton warriors with the winner advancing to the Finals series. The B's needed a win outright to advance as a tie would not do the trick.

The Warriors are the largest team in the league and had been playing inspired hockey since the end of January, notching wins against everyone and causing problems for those teams vying for pool Position. The B's had played both their games against WC earlier and had split the season series. The B's, who lost out on the League regular season championship with a final minute 1-0 loss on the final game of the regular schedule had gone through their round robin play to this point with a 3-0-1 record. WC was sitting at 4-0. The stage was set for a head to head match for the right to play for the Playoff Championship.

WC came out and was looking to intimidate with hard hitting. The B's were up to the task and were moving their feet while carrying the majority of the play. An early 5 on 3 penalty situation in the B's favour saw a great many chances but no luck. The game continued as a hard hitting affair but the refereeing was also up to the task.

WC was able to take an 1-0 lead early in the second on a long shot from the point that eluded TJ Salmonds glove. The B's were not deflated and continued to press the play. Skating well and giving as good as they got the B's found life off a scramble in front that saw Scotty Dawson put the puck over the WC goalie from Dylan Orr and Carter Lalonde.

The crowd was getting loud and excited as the WC team had brought in a large crowd to witness their drive to the Finals. The Richmond crowd was bolstered by many family and friends were looking for some magic. As only good minor hockey can be the intensity began to lift. WC started to send the puck down in attempts to keep the pressure on the B's. Two opportunities occurred that saw a post and a crossbar, which was a harbinger of things to come.

Tied at one, the mounting pressure resulted in one of the B's defense grabbing the puck in the crease. A penalty shot is the right call and.... yes the ref's got it right. With less than a minute and half to go the WC forward came down and... HIT the post.

Time on both the time clock and running clock were disappearing as the B's brought the puck up the ice and the goalie ran for the Bench. Mad scrambles and chances galore had the crowd for both teams on their feet and the Palace was rocking. Cameron Lafontaine and Scotty Dawson were in the middle of the pile in front when the puck rebounded out to the point. With the puck heading out of the blue line and eight seconds on the clock, Collin Osborne corraled the rebound and launched the shot that sent the B's and their delirious supporters into the Final series. The kids went crazy and so did the fans. It was exactly what minor hockey is all about.