Sports

As the end draws near, the Morrisburg Junior B Lions picked up another pair of losses in Eastern Ontario Junior Hockey League action, a close one to the Winchester Hawks, 5-4 and a 5-2 loss to the Alexandria Glens.

Friday night, the Lions were in Winchester where they put up a solid effort against the division’s fourth place Hawks. Up against their former longtime goaltender Mikael Dion they collected a single goal in the second period to cut the Hawks advantage to 2-1, and then traded goals evenly in the third as they collected the 5-4 loss.

Josh Stubbings put the Hawks on the scoreboard late in the first period, and at 14:15 of the second they went up 2-0 on a Christopher Rossi tally.

Grant Cooper got one back for the Lions with help from Steven Savage and Eric Evans just 1:57 before the end of the second period. 

Then in the third period it was back and forth, with the Lions able to stay close but never able to take control.

Brandon Pantaleo and Cam Hughes counted for the Hawks as they fought to maintain a two goal lead, while Drew Veenstra (from Evans and Taylor Eamon) and Savage (from Evans and Eamon) answered for the Lions.

The Savage goal put the game back in reach for the Lions making the score, 4-3, with 7:55 left in the game.

Forty-seven seconds later, however, the Hawks fired back on their power play, when Adam Beveridge collected an empty net goal to again go up by two (5-3).

The Lions did manage one more from Taylor Eamon (assisted by Grant Cooper and Michael Paquette) with 15 seconds left on the clock.

The game saw only six minor penalties assessed, three to each team. The Lions were out shot, 46-31.

Sunday afternoon, the Alexandria Glens paid their final visit to Morrisburg this season and skated away with a 5-2 victory.

They led 2-0 after the first period and increased it to 3-0 just over a minute into the second.

The Lions came to life later in the period when a pair of Glens. penalties gave them power-play opportunities.

Eric Evans wielded the stick for both goals, the first at 8:23 with help from Steven Savage and Martin Lavallee, and the second at 18:03 from Savage and Taylor Eamon.

That cut the Glens advantage to 3-2 and made it a brand new game as the two skated into the final frame.

Just over five minutes in, the Glens went up 4-2 and they crushed the young Lions five seconds later with another goal that put them up 5-2.

Ryan Cooper was in net for both weekend games for the Lions. The Glens out shot the Lions, Sunday, 47-29. Both teams had seven power-play opportunities. The Lions scored twice, and the Glens converted one.

The Lions with just six wins in 38 games have four games left in the season.

They travel to Casselman to take on the first place Vikings this Thursday, January 31, and on Saturday night, February 2 they are on the road to play the St. Lawrence Division’s second place Rebels.

Their final weekend of action sees them in a home and home series against Akwesasne on Friday, February 8 (in Morrisburg) and Saturday, February 9 (on Cornwall Island).

The Wolves are currently holding the division’s third place, two points up on the Hawks. Both teams will be playing tough for the next two weeks as they battle for the division’s third place spot to avoid tackling the powerful Vikings in the first playoff round.

[…]

The senior men hosted Prescott for a friendly this week. Our fellows turned out to be very friendly. While the games were all close, our curlers finished second on each sheet. Wally McDonald, Al Harriman, Dave King and George Rutley were on Sheet 1, Eric Orgee, Raymond Benoit, Fred Langlotz and Bob Youmelle were beside them, and Pete Zeran, Len Bellamy, Keith Robinson and Al Gowanlock were on Sheet 3. 

Friday, two senior men’s teams were in Prescott for the Parnell Cup. Sid Morrell, Raymond Benoit, Neil Williams and George Rutley, and Pete Zeran, Karl Duncan, Bud Perry and Earl Jeacle won their morning games against Lancaster and Prescott respectively, and were tied for first when they took to the ice for the afternoon. Sadly, they missed the chance to bring home the trophy, won by Lancaster.

Greta McGann took a team to the North Grenville club. With her were Susan McIntosh, Kathy Hardy and Claire Locke. They won their first game against Granite, and their second one against Carleton Heights. Well done, ladies!

The next day Greta went to the Robbie Burns bonspiel in Prescott, with a kilted team, enjoying the haggis and the bagpiper’s effort. Kathy Johnston, Claire Locke and Linda Murphy were with her as they won their morning game against North Grenville, and dropped their afternoon match. Brockville won the overall title.

Another day ladies’ team was in Navan for a bonspiel last Thursday. They were Alice Thompson, Susan McIntosh, Betty Locke and Sharon Van Allen. They defeated a team from Granite, and then defeated their opposition from R.C.M.P. Morrisburg finished second on the day. 

In a 2-2-2 bonspiel last week, Jack Barkley, Ruth Kelly, Fred Langlotz and Joanne Baker were in Richmond. The requirements are: two men, two women, and ages to total at least 222 years. 

Our curlers defeated a Navan foursome in the morning, and then won out over Richmond to finish first on the day. What a team!

Susan McIntosh and her committee ran an excellent two-person bonspiel on Sunday.

With a full draw, the 12 teams did battle and winners were declared as follows: in “C” division, Greta McGann and Rob Stitt defeated John and Jason Toonders, in “B” division, Rick McKenzie and Dave King won out over Sam Locke and Linda Murphy, and in “A” division, the champions were Mahlon Locke and Denis Thibault, defeating “Boomer” Langlotz and Keith Robinson in their three thrilling finals. 

As usual, the profits on the day were turned back to the club in the way of specific improvements. So far this year, a new measuring device, five new club brushes, and several grippers for curling shoes have been made available for curlers’ use. Thanks again, Sue!

Finally, members will note the e-mails sent by President Mahlon Locke. They relate to the Canadian Tournament of Hearts in Kingston. A deal for accommodation for all or part of the event is outlined, and the chance to win tickets, generously donated by Kathy Norg is also mentioned.

[…]

The South Dundas Peewee B House 1 Lions are asking the community to get their fingers tapping and to cast an online vote for them in the Stagg® Chili, Save for Success Campaign.

The Peewee B House Lions have entered a contest hosted by Stagg® Chili in which they can win $3,000. And as a result they are inviting the community to get behind them by simply casting a vote in their favour.

Through the course of the 2012/13 regular hockey season, the makers of Stagg® Chili are contributing $1 for every save made by every goalie in every Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Western Hockey League (WHL) regular season game.

The program is expected to contribute up to $30,000 to minor hockey teams at all levels through Ontario and West Canada.

Five teams in each of the two areas (Ontario and Western Canada) will be awarded $3,000 each to help them fund their team jerseys.

The South Dundas Lions have submitted their team photo and the voting has begun.

In the east division they are holding their own in fifth spot with 218 votes as of Monday of this week.

The east division leaders are the Barrie Colts with 812 votes followed by teams from Hanover, Ontario (679) and Aurora (511). A Kitchener team has 411.

With a little help from the community, the South Dundas Lions are looking to move up in the standings and secure a chance at winning $3,000.

You can help them make their move up by going to www.staggchili.ca/vote/ and casting your vote.

[…]

 

Sixty-one Scottish curlers are sweeping through Canada as the 110th edition of the Strathcona Cup takes place from January 10-31.

This year for the first time, the Scottish tour has been divided into three playing areas, the East Coast, Central and West Coast. When play finishes on the 31st some 1,700 Canadian will have participated against the Scots in 437 games in 105 different curling clubs.

Last Tuesday, two rinks of Scots were in Morrisburg where they played rinks from Cornwall, Winchester and two from Morrisburg. The other three rinks with the central tour (20 players total) were playing in Prescott.

Morning action in Morrisburg resulted in the local rink skipped by Mahlon Locke squeezing out a close 6-5 win over Scotland’s Rae Graham.

Playing for Locke were Jack Barkley, Wally Baker and George Rutley.

Scotland’s rink included Davie Haggart, Jim Stewart and Graham McGuire.

After dropping behind early the second Scottish rink skipped by Mike Ferguson battled back against their Winchester opponents to end it all even at 10-10.

Playing for Winchester were skip Michel St. Marseille, Don McIntosh, Bob Crummy and Joe Cass.

For team Scotland, the curlers were Ferguson, Mark Turnbull, Alistair Hendry and Jimmy Reaburn.

Before heading to the ice for the afternoon action, the curlers sat down to a lunch provided by the Morrisburg club.

Then it was back to the ice. This time out Morrisburg’s Sid Morrell with Roy Benoit, John Allison and Ron Beaupre met Rae Graham and again it ended in a tie, this time 5-5.

In the other action, Cornwall’s Bill Dickie defeated Scotland’s Graham 7-5.

On the ice with Dickie were Gerry McKenna, Wayne Lauber and Stuart McDonald.

Strathcona Cup play takes place every five years, alternating between Scotland and Canada.

Although point totals are kept, “the idea is to promote the fellowship of curling” explained Bill Rothwell who was the Canadian courier travelling with the Central/Ontario group.

Rothwell, who lives in Bancroft, Ontario, played in the event when it was last in Canada in 2003. He then successfully applied to be a team Canada member on the tour to Scotland in 2008.

“You can only go to Scotland once and vice versa for them,” said Rothwell of his curling trip of a lifetime.

Rothwell explained the Scots arrived for the current tour in Canada on Wednesday, January 9.

They played a number of Ottawa and area venues including the Ottawa Hunt Club, Cityview and then headed off to Russell, Navan and Metcalfe. On the 13th and 14th they were in Quebec, where they played Mount Royal, the Royal Montreal, Hudson, Whitlock and Pointe Claire.

Tuesday they played in Morrisburg and Prescott and then were off to the west for Quinte and Brighton later in the week.

The wrap-up is in Burlington on Thursday, January 31, when they will meet their fellow countrymen who are on the eastern and western Canada tours.

“They play 30 games in 22 games,” explained Rothwell. “It’s pretty grueling.”

“Every point is counted right across Canada. The total scores goes in and that’s how they come up with the winner.”

Rothwell explained that when the current Canadian Tour ends, committees will be formed in the two countries. On the Canadian side an application process will begin to select the Canadian team that will head to Scotland in five years time. On the Scotland side, the organization will begin preparations to host the cup in 2018.

Those selected to represent Canada are generally curlers who have contributed to the game at their club levels as well as upper levels. The curlers cover their own expenses for travel and lodging. Much of their food is supplied by the clubs they visit.

The central division Scots went into action last Tuesday up about seven points. Overall the 60 players were up about 100 shots, which according to Rothwell is normal.

“The visiting team generally leads because they are curling together through it all against teams put together at the hosting clubs.”

“So far they love it. Everywhere they go they get treated royally.

“The generosity of the Canadian curlers has been great,” said Skip Graham. “We were at the Hunt Club and it was fantastic, and we been at smaller venues which have been equally tremendous.”

His teammate Davie Haggart agreed and complimented the Morrisburg Club facility.

“It was absolutely great ice. You can’t complain about that.” he said. “And your beer is good too,” he said graciously adding with a laugh, “but I don’t like the rye.”

[…]

 

The South Dundas “Pizza Hut” Atom B Rep Lions moved up in the standings Saturday night, with a 3-2 win against their division rival NGS Braves. 

The Braves entered the game in the East Division’s third place, one point ahead of the Lions. The home team, however was looking to move ahead. 

The Braves opened the scoring late in the first period on a goal by Makenna Brownlee when Lions goaltender Brendan Shaver got a piece of the puck, that trickled over the line before he could reach back and save it. 

The Lions played a strong first period. 

Jack Connors who made his season debut on the blue line adjusted early. Connors was able to create a few scoring chances by keeping the puck alive at the offensive blue line and getting his strong shot through to the net.

In the second period, the teams battled hard and the Braves poured on the shots, but Shaver made several key saves to keep the score, 1-0. 

The Lions jumped on the offense late in the period when  Joshua Broad, playing centre on line with Jaeden Phifer-Shaver and (call up) T.J. Barnhart, won a defensive zone draw to start an offensive attack. 

Phifer-Shaver skated the puck out of his end and into the Braves zone. As he crossed the blue-line, he looked to make a pass, but instead wristed a shot low on the glove side to beat the Braves goaltender and tie the game 1-1.

Momentum shifted to the Lions in the third. On a power-play, Ben Lapier, Nolan Henry and Owen Fetterly were able to sustain the pressure. 

When a Braves defender attempted to clear the puck, Fetterly knocked it down and quickly get it to Lapier.

Lapier faked a shot and then slid it across to a wide open Nolan Henry whose on-ice shot slid into the net for a 2-1 Lions lead.

The Braves found themselves in more penalty trouble later as a check to the head resulted in a four minute Lions power play which began with the line of Brody Fairbairn, Duncan Hutt and Kieran Geurkink who pressed in the attacking zone for the two goal lead.

After a line change on the fly, centreman Ben Lapier stole the puck off the left wing boards, skated into the slot and buried a shot behind the Braves goaltender for a 3-1 Lions lead. 

The Braves battled back and scored one, but the Lions defense core of Nathen Verhey, Emytt Fetterly and Jayden Rowe kept the Lion’s den clear of Braves, to secure the 3-2 win.

 The South Dundas “Pizza Hut” Atom B Rep Lions have a busy schedule to round out their regular season. They are next in action at home on Thursday, January 31st at 7 p.m. against the West Division Brockville Braves.

[…]

 

Morrisburg Welcomes Scots

It was a great day at the Morrisburg Curling Club last Tuesday with the Scots in town! 

Between travelling across Canada, playing two games a day, and being feted each night by their Canadian cousins, it’s a wonder they’re still standing. 

There were a large number of tied games that day, but maybe the Scots were just being kind to us. The Strathcona Cup is a huge operation, with 61 members in three sets of teams competing all across Canada from Jan. 9 to Feb. 1. 

Our teams were unchanged from the line-up announced last week, but special mention for our two groups of local fellows is well-deserved. Sid Morrell’s foursome defeated the Cornwall ace, Bill Dickie, in a thrilling match, and ditto for Mahlon Locke, whose team bested their Scottish opponents in another tight one.

President Mahlon Locke welcomed our visitors on their arrival, and Jack Barkley, master of ceremonies, handled things after the matches with humour and grace, making presentations to our Winchester and Cornwall visitors, and to the Scots. 

The head of the Scottish delegation responded in kind, and the mementoes the curlers received will be treasured for a very long time. It was a wonderful event, and our volunteers, especially the kitchen staff, helped make the day the success it was. 

The presidents of the Morrisburg and Prescott clubs were given special presentations at the banquet in Prescott, climaxing with a number of lively Scottish songs. Can’t wait until the next tour!        

Three of our daytime mixed teams were in Russell last week for their return “friendly” match. In a change from members announced last week, Gretta McGann filled in for Len Bellamy on Andy Patenaude’s team, and David McIntosh replaced Grahame Hardy on Sue McIntosh’s foursome. Andy’s team lost on the last rock, Sue’s foursome did as well, and Sam Locke’s won their match. It was another pleasurable event.

The inaugural Alzheimers bonspiel was held at the club on Saturday. The organizers provided door prizes from local businesses, and the Lions’ Club donated $300 to the cause. Our club waived the charity’s fee for this first bonspiel. 

The curlers played two eight-end games, with the winning foursome, Andy Patenaude, Arnold Barkley, Rick McKenzie and Peter Byvelds defeating the Lions team in the morning, and Paul St. Pierre’s foursome in the afternoon. Keith Robinson was late in the morning, and he was replaced on the Lions team. He just wanted everyone to know that he joined another group in the afternoon and defeated Boomer’s Lions!

Susan McIntosh, Kathy Norg, Leanne McCooeye and Claire Locke defeated a Russell foursome in their first match in the Broder in Russell, but lost in a tie-breaker to Metcalfe in the “A” semi-final. Metcalfe went on to win the “A” title. 

Greta McGann, Ruth Kelly, Kathy Hardy and Betty Locke lost to Russell in their morning game, but won their afternoon match in the “B” semi-final against Russell. They faced the other Russell foursome in the “B” final, but came out on the losing end. Well done anyway, ladies!

Finally, in the Dominion Senior Women’s Regionals in Napanee, Janet Lapierre, Janet Levere, Janet Thompson, and Morrisburg’s Wendy Casselman won the women’s “A” side, and are going to the Provincial finals in Ajax Feb. 20-24. Well done, folks!

[…]

 

Looking to the future of the team, as well as the interests of key players who have been major contributors over the past few years, the Morrisburg Junior B Lions management made some decisions prior to the January 10 deadline to benefit everyone involved.

“Most of our moves included our overage players, which provided the players with the opportunity to play in the playoffs in their last year of junior eligibility,” explained general manager Kevin Casselman.

Casselman was speaking of the release of goaltender Mikael Dion to the Winchester Hawks,  the release of top scorer Chris Rutley to the Perth Blue Wings, Sylvester Bzdyl (second in team scoring) to the Akwesasne Wolves and Dylan Casselman to Brockville.

“Dylan Casselman’s move to Brockville was to put closure on the previous deal made in bringing in 18-year-old Nicholas Pilon, and it also provided Dylan with an opportunity to play in the playoffs with his brother Tanner in Brockville.”

In addition, Casselman explained that Michel Lefebvre went to the Char-Lan Rebels on December 22, in a deal that sees his playing rights returned to the Lions next year.

“Michel has played with us for three seasons and has only played in one playoff series. This opportunity not only brings back some tangibles for next season, but also enables him to gain some valuable experience in a playoff run…which he will bring back to our organization next year.”

Also moved was midget-aged Ty Hodgson who went back to the Upper Canada Cyclones AAA Major Midgets. “This will provide Ty with an opportunity to play in the AAA branch championships in Brockville in the spring. Ty is affiliated with us and can play in five games after the January 10th deadline. It was a great opportunity for him to play with his age group at a very high level.”

Also in a five game affiliation situation is Nicholas Pilon who was moved back to a Smiths Falls juvenile card to allow him more hockey after February 9.

Although the Lions were hanging in, in most of their pre-January 10 games, they weren’t able to put any marks in the win column and they were guaranteed not to make the St. Lawrence Division playoffs.

So with a good look at their situation, Casselman says “Why not move in a direction to provide some valuable in-game teaching and development of our future with a start towards next season.

“We have 19 affiliated midget aged players that we felt could benefit by playing in our last 10 games or so. While the decision to move the overage players was for them to play…it was equally important for our organization to move in a youthful direction.”

In making the changes, 16-year-old Grant Cooper was named team captain.

“Grant has demonstrated a remarkable leadership level, well beyond his age, game in game out, every practice and every shift,” says Casselman.

So basically, what we have done is to play out the season “with the young players, teaching them with patience, while providing valuable in-game experience. Combined with our affiliated players and our signed players, we have 36 players eligible to play, 18 of which are 17 years of age and younger.”

This past Friday night, the young Lions were at home to the St. Lawrence Division’s first place Casselman Vikings.

The Vikings struck early and struck hard for a 3-1 first period lead as they worked their way to a 9-3 victory.

Eric Evans with help from Taylor Eamon and Steven Savage counted for the Lions in the first period.

Early in the second, Dylan Dejong (from Zach Sequin and Alex Primeau), cut the Vikings lead to 3-2.

But then it was back in the Vikings court for six consecutive goals, (three more in the second).

Grant Cooper (from Peter Ketcheson and Dylan Dejong) finished it off for the Lions at 12:04 of the third period.

The Lions sat out five minor penalties, and the Vikings were nabbed for six.

Ryan Cooper was in the Lions net for the loss. He faced 60 Vikings shots, while the Lions managed just 28 against Vikings goaltender Philippe Quesnel.

Sunday, the Lions were on the road to Gananoque, where they lost to the Islanders, 9-0.

Islanders goaltender Drew Lawson stopped 24 Lions shots for his shutout while Ryan Cooper gave up the nine goals on 54 shots.

The Islanders led 4-0 after the first period and 6-0 after two. They scored one power-play goal in six opportunities.

Coming up this Friday, January 25, the Lions head to Winchester to take on the fourth place Hawks. Sunday, January 27 they host the Alexandria Glens. Game time is 2:30 p.m.

The Lions players and management are counting on the continued support of the hockey community as they work towards next year with this young squad.

[…]

 

Once again the Morrisburg Junior B Lions were unable to hang on. 

Holding the St. Lawrence Division’s second place Char-Lan Rebels to a 1-1 first period tie, here Friday night and then going up 2-1 in the second period, it again, fell apart for the Lions who settled for a 4-2 loss due to two unanswered third period goals.

The Rebels were first on the scoreboard with a Matthew Lapointe goal at 5:56 of the first period. 

The Lions charged back and answered to tie the game with a power-play goal at 10:26 from Grant Cooper assisted by Drew Veenstra and Matthew Burns.

Just over five minutes into the second period, Michael Paquette struck to give the Lions a 2-1 lead and they held on to their advantage until well into the third period.

Assisting Paquette were Taylor Eamon and Drew Veenstra.

Then in the third, the Lions were holding their own when they were nabbed for a short-handed goal from the Rebels, Lawson MacDougall at 7:22 which tied it 2-2.

Just over one minute later Connor Primeau beat Lions goaltender Ryan Cooper to put them up 3-2 and that was it.

The Rebels got one more on their power play from former Lion Michel Lefebvre for their 4-2 win.

It was the 18th win of the season for the Rebels which they combined with a 6-3 win against Gananoque, Saturday night, to now trail the first place Casselman Rebels by nine points with the regular season quickly winding down.

The Rebels out shot the Lions by a slim 34-30 shots. Alex Boileau was in the net for their win.

The Rebels scored one power play goal in seven opportunities, while the Lions were good for one in their 13 chances.

In other St. Lawrence Division action, the Casselman Vikings defeated Brockville 4-3 and Athens 2-0. Saturday they were on Cornwall Island where they lost to the Akwesasne Wolves 5-3.

It was a big weekend for the Wolves who also knocked off the Rideau Division’s second place Westport Rideaus, 6-3.

With the Winchester Hawks losing both of their games, to Brockville 4-3 and Gananoque 6-4, the Wolves were able to take possession of the St. Lawrence Division’s third place spot, four points up on the Hawks who do have a game in hand. 

[…]

 

Our ladies are still travelling through Eastern Ontario, challenging curlers from other clubs. Greta McGann’s team had the early draw at Ottawa Granite last week. With Greta were Kathy Johnston, Claire Locke and Janie Connelly. They did well: in their first match, they dropped a tight game to City View, and after lunch curled against Ottawa Navy and defeated them. And there’s much more to come from these busy members. Well done, all! 

Curling in the late draw in the same bonspiel were Alice Thompson, Susan McIntosh, Sharon Van Allen and Linda Murphy. They lost their first game to the eventual champions from Cornwall, and had a better match against a team from Ottawa R.A., but couldn’t pull off the win.

We’ll have details about the Tuesday matches against the three men’s teams from Scotland next time. The Canadian side was bolstered by foursomes from Winchester and Cornwall. Our Morrisburg representatives were Sid Morrell, Raymond Benoit, John Allison and Ron Beaupre, as well as Mahlon Locke, Jack Barkley, Wally Baker and George Rutley.

With a change to an earlier date, January 19, the Alzheimers bonspiel is now on at our club. There are still a few openings, so sign up on the entry sheet in the lobby if you’re interested. It’s a charity we would like to see succeed.

Upcoming events include a friendly visit here by the Prescott senior men on Jan. 23, the Bernie Brunt Senior Men’s Invitational bonspiel on Jan. 30, the Senior Mixed 222 bonspiel, the Heart and Stroke bonspiel on Feb. 16, and the S. D. and G. High School Championship on Feb. 19.

Last weekend Wendy Casselman joined her three friends from Winchester again, Janet Lapierre, Janet Levere and Janet Thompson, in the Ladies Zone 1 playdowns for the Canadian championship, the Tournament of Hearts competition. Unfortunately they did not advance to the Regionals this time. Barbieri of the Ottawa Curling Club and Cameron of Russell were victorious and hope to make it to the Provincials. Better luck next year, folks! 

And congratulations to another Winchester team, skipped by Casandra Raganold, who won at Regionals and went on to the Junior Provincial championship, where they played well, but were edged out by the Manotick foursome for the title.

This morning three of our daytime mixed teams journeyed to Russell for a return “friendly” bonspiel. Our quartets were Andy Patenaude, Alice Thompson, Greta McGann, and Bud Perry, also Sue McIntosh, Grahame Hardy, Claire Locke and Fred Langlotz, as well as Sam Locke, Kathy Hardy, Denis Thibault and Bob Youmelle. Hope you all had a pleasant morning!

The bonspiel season for the little rockers is coming up, and we hope to have results for you shortly on their efforts.

Good curling to all!    

[…]

The Morrisburg Junior B Lions found out on Sunday, what other teams have known for some time…just how tough it is to score on goaltender Mikael Dion.

Dion, who has guarded the Lions crease for three years, found himself facing some familiar faces Sunday, as he performed his magic in the familiar Morrisburg arena, but this time in the Hawks net.

The recent release of Dion, who was signed to a Lions overage player card, to the Hawks was “due to our position in the standings,” explained team manager, Kevin Casselman. “We made the decision to provide Mikael an opportunity to play in the playoffs in his final season of junior hockey.”

“Mikael will provide Winchester with a solid goaltender for what they hope is a deep play-off run.”

In addition, Casselman says the move has allowed the Lions to give more ice time to their young up and coming goalie Ryan Cooper.

“We have been happy to have local Major AAA Midget John Gilmer play in three games,” says Casselman. “Joey Lamarche and Zach Frawley will provide us with support over the next nine games.”

Sunday, the Lions held their own against the visiting Hawks…all the way to the final 13 minutes of the third period.

It started at 12:39 of the third. It was just seconds after the Lions had killed off a penalty, when the Hawks Cody Levasseur broke it wide open. It was then that Levasseur counted his first of two goals that broke a 1-1 tie and gave the Hawks the edge. 

Sixteen seconds later, Levasseur again beat Lions goaltender Ryan Cooper, and the Hawks found themselves in the driver’s seat with a 3-1 lead.

Penalties then came into play, mainly Lions penalties as first Sylvester Bzdyl was called for high sticking at 13:03. He was then joined in the penalty box at 14:19 by Zach Renfrew who was penalized for handling the puck.

That set the stage for a Hawks five on three and an Aaron Dickenson power-play goal at 14:56.

Now up 4-1, the Hawks coasted to a 5-1 lead, Josh Renaud adding their final counter, again on their power play.

Zach Renfrew scored the final Lions goal with 10 seconds left in the game with help from Chris Rutley and Curtis Pilon.

The Lions were first on the scoreboard in the game with a Chris Rutley (from Grant Coooper) power-play goal late in the first period.

The Hawks Christopher Rossi evened it just over three minutes into the second period, and the tie held until Levasseur took over in the third period.

The Hawks out shot the Lions 44-30 and were successful on two of seven power-play opportunities. The Lions counted once in their three power-play chances against their former teammate, goalie Mikael Dion.

While the Lions were in it all the way in Sunday’s encounter, it was a different story at their Rideau-St. Lawrence Conference Showcase game against the Westport Rideaus in Gananoque, on Saturday morning.

“We did not show up to play against a very good top level, experience hockey club,” said Casselman of the 11-2 loss to the Westport Rideaus.

 “Not only were they running on all cylinders, they are also in a battle for first place in their division.”

The Rideaus went up 4-0 in the first period and stretched it to 8-0 after two.

Sylvester Bzdyl scored the two Lions goals in the last couple of minutes of the third period. Assists went to Michael Paquette and Taylor Eamon.

Coming up this weekend, the Lions are at home to the Char-Lan Rebels on Friday, January 11. Game time is 8:30 p.m.

The Rebels are back in second place in the St. Lawrence Division standings with 37 points. The Casselman Vikings are in first place with 46 points, and the Hawks and the Akwesasne Wolves are tied for third place with 32 points each.

The Alexandria Glens remain in the hunt for the fourth and final playoff position with 26 points, while the Lions are well back with just 13 points.

[…]