Sports

 

The South Dundas “Howitzer” Novice B Lions defeated the Kemptville #2 Panthers in two straight games to advance to the East Division finals against the Brockville #2 Braves. 

Heading into the series, it was expected to be a close one. In previous matches, the Lions held the season series advantage over the Kemptville team 2-1-1. In October, they lost to the Panthers in an exciting overtime game in the “A” final of the NGS tournament.

The opening game pitted the number two rank Panthers against the third ranked Lions who had just come of a two game sweep of the North Dundas Demons. 

The Panthers came out strong in the opening minutes while the Lions were adjusting to their speed. That result in a Panther goal just 1:40 in from Noah Penney.

The Lions bounced back quickly on the power play when Kolby Latulippe scored from the slot, assisted by Ben Lapier and Nolan Henry. 

The Panthers added one more before the period ended for a 2-1 advantage heading into the second period..

Goals were traded in the second by Lion Nolan Henry and by Panther Matt Murphy, before the Lions exploded for three goals in three minutes.

Lapier kicked it off when he scored on a breakaway pass from Emytt Fetterly, then Kayne McCadden connected on a nice three way passing play by Owen Fetterly and Joshua Broad.

Henry picked up his second goal by making a couple of moves at the Panthers blue line before breaking into their zone and scoring. The assist went to Cassidy Bilmer who had moved the puck up the right wing boards. 

Penney responded for the Panthers to close the gap to 5-4 in the Lions favour as they headed into the third period.

Lion’s goalie Brendan Shaver was sharp in the third period keeping the Panthers off the score board with the help of defense partners Spencer Barclay and Trent Rae. 

The Lions extended their lead to three, with goals from McCadden and Henry. 

Henry’s was his third goal of the game giving him his second hat trick in a week.

Emytt Fetterly picked up the assist with line-mate Owen Fetterly and Joshua Broad assisted on McCadden’s goal.

The Lions grabbed a late power play marker when Latulippe netted his second of the game with 22 seconds left with assists to Owen Fetterly and Henry. 

With the game one, 8-4, the Lions grabbed home ice advantage in the series.

Back home on Morrisburg ice, last Wednesday, the Panthers were looking to even the four-point series. 

Panther Noah Penney once again opened the scoring on a breakaway two minutes into the first period and the 1-0 lead held into the second period.

 In the second, the Lions got on the scoreboard while on the power player when Kayne McCadden took a pass from Nolan Henry in the slot and scored with a low shot to the corner of the net. 

Ben Lapier picked up the secondary assist as he kept the puck alive along the boards and made a short pass to Henry. The Panthers battled back to take a 2-1 lead, but before the second period ended the Lions scored another two from Ben Lapier  and Kayne McCadden as he and his line mates Owen Fetterly and Joshua Broad would team up on a passing play.

With the Lion’s up 3-2 to start the third, the Panthers pressed but Lions goaltender Brendan Shaver stood tall. 

As time ticked by McCadden scored his third of the game, a hat trick, with the Fetterly boys’ picking up assists, Owen and Emytt. 

When the third period expired, and the Lions had their fourth consecutive playoff win and second series sweep.

The South Dundas “Howitzer” Novice B Lions were in playoff action on Sunday afternoon in Brockville for Game #1 of the East Division Final and won 5-3, Game #2 was played last night, Tuesday, March 6th in Morrisburg.

Details of the championship series will be in next week’s issue of The Leader.

[…]

 

The South Dundas Atom B House 2 Lions ended their playoff run with a hard fought battle against the Brockville Braves on Saturday, March 3. 

The two teams went into the fourth and final game of the series tied at three points apiece.

The Braves opened with a 4-3 win but the Lions battled back in game two for a 2-0 win to event the series at two point each.

Game three ended in a 1-1 tie, forcing the fourth game in Brockville on Saturday.

Saturday’s action was again a close affair, and once again ended in a 2-2 tie. That forced the game into overtime, after two period of scoreless sudden death it went to a shoot out.

The Braves prevailed in the shoot out scoring on two out of three opportunities, to eliminate the Lions.

Head coach David Lapier had asked his team to “leave it all on the ice”, and after the game, although disappointed with the shoot out loss, he said, “I’m proud of all the players and how well they played in the playoffs. It was a great team effort.”

The Lions, who finished second in regular season play, opened the four point series against the third place Braves at home on Sunday, February 26. 

The Lions who had received a first round bye, came out flat in the opening game falling behind 3-2 in the third period.

They found inspiration in the spirited play of Sarah Backes who repeatedly out-battled the larger Brockville defenders deep in their own zone, but try as they might to mount a comeback, at the final buzzer the score was 4-3 in favour of the Braves.

Game 2 in Brockville, saw the Lions come out roaring to dominate play in the first period and maintain possession of the puck in the offensive zone for most of the period. 

Right winger, Ty DeDekker picked up a loose puck in front of the net and slid it past the Braves keeper to make it 1-0. 

Dean Lapier sent several thundering shots towards the Braves net from the blue line and Brady Smith blocked a clearing attempt with his skate and sent a hard shot on net where Kolby Hamilton converted the rebound. 

Power forward Jack Collins played a solid two way game as the Lions held on for the 2-0 win and the only shutout of the series for Lions goaltender Olivia Salmon.

The series returned to Morrisburg for game three on Thursday, and in front of a large and supportive crowd the Lions strove to eliminate the Braves. 

Colin Minish scored with a back-hander from the crease to put the Lions up 1-0. 

Jayden Rowe repeatedly broke up the Braves attempted advance through the neutral zone, and Nathen Verhey blocked several shots as the Braves attempted to even the score. 

The Lions valiantly defended their lead while Brockville had a 5 on 3 power play, only to have a screen shot slip in seconds after returning to full strength. 

The game ended in a 1-1 tie, to force a fourth and deciding match in Brockville on Saturday, March 4. 

Minish scored twice for the Lions, but again Brockville scored late in the third to tie the game 2-2  and force overtime.

The teams moved to a four on four format for five minutes of sudden death overtime, and although the Lions generated several scoring chances they couldn’t put the puck past the Braves goalkeeper. 

A second sudden death period, this time with three skaters for each side was required.

Several back and forth rushes had the crowd roaring in approval. Brockville’s top goal scorer broke in alone but Dana Domanko used her speed to close the gap and then strip him of the puck as he entered the high slot.  

Once again, the overtime would end without a goal. 

It finally came to a shoot out to settle the game (and series) and with the first two Lions shooters unable to put the puck in the net, the Braves scored on two of three opportunities for the victory.

[…]

 

The Easter Seals Bonspiel was played at the Morrisburg club on Saturday. The organizing committee announced that they had raised over $1,400 on the day for this fine charity. The two full draws, with nearly 50 curlers, including representatives of all club leagues from little rockers to seniors and entries from outside the club, enjoyed a delightful day and a fine lunch, catered by the committee. 

Bob Ruddick was the emcee, Betty Locke arranged for the teams, Margaret Reynolds and Easter Seal people and volunteers ensured a successful event. Bob presented certificates to the Morrisburg and District and the Iroquois/Matilda Lions’ clubs and the Odd Fellows, in recognition of their many years of supporting the children helped by Easter Seals. Ross, one of the children who has been helped in this way, was on hand, kindly agreeing to represent all young people.

The first draw was won by Al Harriman, Arnold Barkley, Ron Brown and Denis Thibeault. Tied for second place were Sam and Claire Locke and Wendy and Jim Casselman, and the Morrisburg Lions’ Bill Magee, Fred Langlotz, Keith Robertson and Paul Gunther. In the late draw, Mahlon Locke, Pam St. Pierre, John Toonders and Paula Locke took top honours, with the Odd Fellows team of Graham and Glen Pemberton and Derek and Shelley Whittaker a strong second. Thanks to all who participated.

The senior men held a playoff last week for Morrisburg’s two spots in the McLennan Bonspiel, to be played in Cornwall. Sid Morrell, Raymond Benoit, Neil Williams and Al Harriman won the first match against Pete Zeran’s team. Accordingly, the losers had to play the third interested quartet to get to the bonspiel. Pete Zeran, George Rutley, Jack Dikland and Karl Duncan played against Dave King, Jack Barkley, Doug Jarvis and Bill Magee to decide the second entrant for Morrisburg.

    Dave’s foursome came out on top in the well-played match, and the local teams will face Cornwall, Prescott and Lancaster on Friday.

    At the senior mixed bonspiel in Navan last week, Morrisburg entered three teams. The so-called 2-2-2 bonspiels involve two men and two women, whose total age must be at least two hundred and twenty-two. These are a lot of fun, and can be quite competitive. Morrisburg is one of many clubs that run this type of bonspiel, and curlers might want to consider these posted competitions in future.

The early draw in this one saw Alice and Steve Thompson, Keith Robinson and Sharon Van Allen win half the ends, but come up short on the scoreboard in their first match. Dave King, Ruth Kelly, Fred (Boomer) Langlotz and Joanne Baker fared better, tying their first game. 

In the next draw, Mahlon Locke, Kathy Norg and Sam and Claire Locke won their morning game handily and after lunch all three of our teams hit the ice again. The Thompson and King rinks fought hard, but a big end in each game did them in. Dave King’s rink finished third, while the Thompson foursome took the high one-game honours. 

In the late draw, Mahlon’s team had to settle for a tie, and took second place overall. All things, including weather considered, it was a pleasant, successful day for our local curlers, with good competition, a fine lunch, and noteworthy hospitality.

There are just a few more bonspiels to go, league championships to announce, and the club’s closing bonspiel. Stay tuned for the results.

That’s all, folks. Good curling to all.

[…]

 

The Seaway District High School junior and senior girls teams left their names on the Eastern Ontario Volleyball maps last week, when both worked their way to the championship finals where they collected silver medals following losses to some very tough opposition.

The Senior Spartans hosted their event last Thursday, February 23, while the EOSSAA junior championships were at North Grenville on Wednesday, February 22.

In their opening round robin game against Renfrew, the Junior Spartans lost the opening set 25-17. They rebounded with back to back, 25-15 and 15-5 set wins.

They had a fairly easy time of it in game two against Almonte (25-9 and 25-15 wins) and in the semi-final against North Grenville (25-10 and 25-11 wins).

That set the stage for the championship final against the very tough Plantagenet entry who claimed victory with two straight wins by 25-12 and 25-18 scores.

“They were a really strong club, but the girls were able to keep it close,” said coach Lindsay Waddell who was pleased with her Spartans’ silver medal finish. The girls played really well. We were simply out-matched in the final.”

“I am extremely happy with our season. I think the right team won in the end, but we played well.”

In senior action on the Iroquois courts Thursday, the Spartans and the Embrun Panthers charged through their round robin action. Neither lost a set as they worked their way to the final.

Seaway, in pool B, defeated Almonte (25-2 and 25-18) and Gananoque (25-2 and 25-9) and eliminated  Opeongo in the semi-final (25-12 and 25-18).

Embrun in pool A defeated Sharbot Lake (25-12 and 25-12), Opeongo (25-11 and 25-15) and Almonte in their semi-final (25-15 and 25-5).

The Senior Spartans knew they were up against some tough competition from the Panthers who were last year’s OFSSA champions and who had seven returning players this year, five of whom were starters. Five of their players are also club players who play pretty much year round. 

“I knew going into the finals that we faced stiff competition,” said coach Lilace McIntyre. “My squad has nine very dedicated players, but only one plays club. This makes a huge difference because club players typically play 10 months a year and have so many more hours of experience on the court.”

“My girls played a good first set (lost 25-17) but seemed to fall apart in the second (lost 25-12).”

While junior volleyball play ends at EOSSAA, the Senior Spartans (and Embrun) advance to OFSSA at Ryerson Univeristy in Toronto from March 4-7.

McIntyre is extremely pleased and proud to be taking her Spartans to the provincial championship

[…]

 

They came, they played, they conquered and now the Seaway Spartans have their work cut out for them.

Friday, at the Morrisburg Arena, the first leg of the series for the Dundas County Hockey Cup was played between Seaway District High School and North Dundas, and when it was over it was the Devils in control.

The event opened in front of more than 400 cheering Seaway fans with the girls hitting the ice in an exciting game that ended with the Devils in the winner’s circle by a 2-0 count.

After a scoreless first period, the Devils’ Taylor Cummins (from Amanda Carkner) opened the scoring early in the second period. Tori Corkery (from Bailey Mike) made it 2-0 for the Devils midway through the third.

Cashelle Baldwin was in net for the Devils, and Megan Van Allen handled the Spartans’ action.

The boys match remained scoreless until the final seconds of the first period when Andrew Jarvis scored, unassisted, for the Spartans.

The goal didn’t sit well with the Devils who charged back 30 seconds into the second period with a Mark McRae counter. Five minutes later McRae made it 2-0. Garrett Milne scored once more for the Devils for a 3-1 advantage as action headed into the third.

Ryan Byers counted twice for the Devils in the third for the 5-1 victory.

The second set of games  to complete this year’s Dundas Cup will be played in Chesterville this Friday, March 2. In addition to the high school teams, the day will feature Intermediate hockey action which will kick off the event at 10 a.m. The girls varsity game will follow at 11 a.m and the boys will hit the ice at approximately 12:15 p.m.

Seaway High’s hockey coach Carrie Gilmour says the Spartans have had a busy season.

“The girls made the playoffs and will be competing Wednesday (February 29) in Long Sault against CCVS. The boys missed the playoffs due to a three-way tie that went down to goals for and against. Even though we lost several close games, we certainly played better than last year (Seaway’s first year of hockey).”

Although Gilmour and her teams were disappointed with the  Friday game outcomes, she was happy with the event.

“I was thrilled beyond all of my expectations from the students, the staff and our community for the Spartan pride that was demonstrated on Friday. It was an activity that was enjoyed by every age group; from the MPS kindergarten class, the grade 6 classes from Iroquois and Morrisburg Public Schools who attended as a transition activity, to the parents/grandparents and Seaway alumni who came out to cheer the kids on.”

“To look across the ice surface and see over 400 people dressed in black and orange and cheering for the kids that you know have worked very hard for this moment is something very special, and I will carry that with me for a very long time.”

South Dundas deputy mayor Jim Locke got the event rolling with the official puck drop for Spartans’ captain Michaela Morrow and Demons’  captain Tori Corkery. Seaway’s Jennifer Howard sang O’ Canada. 

The event included a Chuck a Puck fund raiser and a shoot-out between Seaway principal Terry Gardiner and North Dundas coach Mike Deighton. 

[…]

 

Second round, Upper Canada Minor Hockey League playoff action between the South Dundas Bantam B Rep Lions and the Char-Lan Rebels promised to be a ‘close encounter’, and in game one, indeed, that is just what it was.

The Lions and Rebels, who met three times during the regular season and collected 3-3 ties in each encounter, squared off in their first playoff game in Morrisburg on Sunday, and when it was over, the Lions were left clinging to a 1-0 victory.

After scoreless first and second periods, the Lions got on board 4:20 into the third period with a Spencer Heldens goal from a beautiful pass from Cameron Chayer.

Heldens beat Rebels goaltender Jasper Leroux on the glove side for what would turn out to be the winning goal.

The Lions came out roaring early in the first period of the game, to create three great scoring chances,  but each stopped by Leroux in the Rebels net.

However, it wasn’t just a one man show.  At the other end of the ice, Lions goaltender Zach Frawley was just as impressive. When the Lions defence tried to pinch at their own blue line and gave up a breakaway in the first period, it was the Big Z who stopped the Rebels’ attempt.

The second period featured great end to end action with scoring chances for both teams, but again it was Frawley and Leroux responsible for the scoreless results.

In fact, Frawley came up big for the Lions with just over 5:24 left in the third period when he made a huge glove save to keep the Rebels off the scoreboard and allow the Lions to hold onto their 1-0 lead.

The Lions traveled to Williamstown, Monday night for game two of the series where they were handed a 4-0 loss. Detailed results of the game were not available at press time. 

Game three of the series returns to Morrisburg, this Thursday night at 8 p.m.

The South Dundas Bantam B Rep Lions finished the regular season in second place in the East Division, five points behind Cornwall. In their 24 game schedule, the Lions had 15 wins, two losses and seven ties. They scored 117 goals and gave up 41 and were assessed 418 minutes in penalties.

In their first playoff round series, they took on the North Dundas Demons and swept the four point series in two straight games.

The series opened in Morrisburg on February 13, with the Lions dominating play for a 7-0 win. Game two was played in Winchester, and again it was the Lions all the way with a 6-0 victory for a second consecutive shutout for Frawley.

Scoring for the Lions in game one were Evan Mullin and Randy Fawcett with two goals apiece. Singles were added by Andrew Jarvis, Drew Minish and Spencer Heldens. 

After taking a 3-0 first period lead, the Lions were held from the scoreboard by the Demons throughout the second period. They worked their way to four goals in the third period for the 7-0 victory.

In Winchester, on February 20, the Lions again took charge early in the game to go up 3-0 in the first period. They added another three in the second for the 6-0 victory.

Evan Mullin produced another pair, while Andrew Jarvis, Spencer Heldens, Ben Michels and Josh Black added singles.

[…]

 

CORNWALL–Morrisburg Figure Skate Club skaters did themselves proud bringing home 13 gold, 14 silver and 13 bronze medals from the annual Interclub Event that was held in Cornwall on the weekend of February 18-19.

In fact, the Morrisburg team finished overall in second place one point behind Spencerville, 139-138 and that was without the majority of the senior events run due to a time shortage.

Mikaela Furo led the young Canskaters with a pair of gold medal performance in Elements in Isolation and Programmed Elements, both Stage 4. Shiane Johnson collected a gold medal in Elements in Isolation Stage 2 and Lilly Napier, Abigail Smail and Jaden Casselman won gold in Team Elements Stage 2.

Gracie Fairbairn collected silver medals in Stage 4 Elements in Isolation and Programmed Elements, and added a bronze medal in Spins and Spirals.

Jessica Groves (Elements in Isolation), Hannah Biemond (Programmed Elements stage 4), Olivia Chafe (Elements in Isolation Stage 3) and Xandra Furo (Elements in Isolation Stage 4) all collected second place finishes while Groves, Fairbairn and Biemond put it together for a silver medal in Team Elements Stage 4.

Groves posted a third place finish in Spins and Spirals Stage 4, Xandra Furo a bronze in Programmed Elements Stage 4 and Olivia Chafe and Emma Morrow skated to Bronze in Team Elements Stage 3. 

Madisyn Hart, Hannah Warren and the team of Shianne Johnson and Hayden Napier added fourth place points to the team effort.

[…]

 

Our men were in Russell recently for the annual Merkley Bonspiel. Our first team, Joe McCooeye, Dave Dolan, Ken Konick and Henry Looyen squeaked out a win against Winchester, 7-6. After a nice lunch, the fellows met 12-time champion Ken Sullivan from Russell. Sullivan won, and made it 13 Merkley wins against Metcalfe in the evening, after the annual meeting and the banquet.

Our second team, Larry Cooper, Robert Houze, Mahlon Locke and Peter McCooeye defeated the second Russell team in a superb match in the afternoon to advance to the ‘B’ final in the evening. In a seesaw battle, the Winchester rink eked out a win to capture the Bruce MacDonald Shield. Well done anyway, boys. Next year the fellows meet in Winchester.

At last week’s women’s bonspiel at CityView, Alice Thompson, Betty Locke, Sharon Van Allen and Joanne Baker lost their first match to a Carleton Heights foursome, but defeated Ottawa R.A. in the afternoon. Our favourite Navan curler, Lynne Stacey, ended the day as the champion, finishing first overall.

In Maxville, Greta McGann, Kathy Hardy, and Paula and Claire Locke lost their first game against an Ottawa R.A. team, and won the afternoon match against another quartet from the same club. They also won $10 each for being the high one-game winners, and had a delicious chicken dinner, so it was a good day for the hardy ladies.

In the senior men’s friendly bonspiel last week against Winchester, our hosts had a good day. Three teams, Bill Magee, Mahlon Locke, Bud Perry and Dave Salsman, Al Harriman, Jack Dikland, Keith Robertson and Ted Herriman, and Peter Zeran, Arnold Barkley, Fred Langlotz and Al Gowanlock won by a total of one point. (Perhaps to make more friends, or to share any blame for errors, our fellows switched sheets after four ends, and then totaled the scores.) With that tally, they declared themselves the winners. After a good lunch, they sent the visitors home, and then went out to curl their regular league games.

Next week the annual McLennan Cup is on in Cornwall. So far there are three teams of senior men competing for the two openings. Teams skipped by Peter Zeran, Dave King and Allan Herriman have declared an interest. 

On Saturday, another charity bonspiel, the Easter Seals, holds sway at the local club. There may even be a few openings. Check the sign-up sheet in the lounge.

This’ll teach me. I left early from the Heart and Stroke Bonspiel and got the wrong info down on paper from over the phone, listing the wrong Lockes as winners. Sorry, Sam. You and Parker, Claire and Paula were the champions, beating out Betty and Jim Locke, Maurice Kolff and Rick McKenzie. Belated congratulations –and apologies!

Congratulations to the three Seaway curling teams, who did so well in Morrisburg last Thursday. We wish you the best of luck in the EOSSAA Curling Championships in Brockville, March 1 and 2.

Good curling to all!

[…]

 

Morrisburg Legion Branch 48 had eight of its members compete at the district playdowns in Amherstview, and when the final dart had landed, one team had earned the right to advance to provincial play.

The team of  Kris Scott, Phil Jamieson, Wayne Hunter and John Hitsman will represent Branch 48 Morrisburg at the Provincials coming up at Etobicoke, Ontario on March 17.

At the district play, the eight Morrisburg representatives threw in several divisions.

Kevin Fredette did not qualify in the singles event, and the doubles team of Kris Scott and Phil Jamieson were unsuccessful in their category.

A second team of Jim Scott, Dave Wells, Kevin Fredette and Fred Diegel did not qualify in the team event.

[…]

 

For the second consecutive year, the Seaway Spartans junior and senior girls volleyball teams have topped the SD&G ‘A’ school volleyball circuit.

The very powerful Seaway Senior girls kicked it off Friday afternoon when they defeated Char-Lan in three straight sets, 25-0, 25-12 and 25-9 for the SD&G championship.

Then as the senior Spartans, did their celebrating, the junior Spartans went to work for their SD&G championship against Glengarry District High School.

The junior Spartans had a little more difficulty against the Gaels in claiming their win. 

They got it rolling by winning the first set 25-17, but then the Gaels charged back in the second for a 25-20 win.

Seaway eked out a close 25-21 victory in the third set, and put it away in the fourth with a 25-18 win.

Both of the Seaway teams went into their respective finals as the defending 2011 SD&G champs.

This year’s seniors were coached by Lilace MacIntyre, who moved from her position as junior coach last year with four of her graduating junior players.

This year’s Senior Spartans were undefeated in 27 sets (nine games) played during the regular season. They competed in three tournaments, won one and finished third in the other two.

As they head towards EOSSAA, which will be hosted this Thursday by Seaway, the very experienced Spartans are expecting some very tough opposition from last year’s OFSSAA champs from Embrun.

Last year’s senior Spartans competed at EOSSAA but fell short of bringing home silverware. Their experience, along with the experience of the four rookies who last year were EOSSAA A school junior champions should make them very competitive.

“I am expecting some really tough competition for the girls this Thursday,” said McIntyre who was extremely pleased with the team’s regular season results.

As for the junior Spartans, who too finished in first place in this year’s regular season, their coach Lyndsay Waddell said, “I am really proud of them today. They’ve worked really hard.”

Although they won first place in the regular season, it was by a slim, one set ahead of Glengarry.

That made Friday’s game the ‘big showdown’ of the year and it was close all the way through.

The Junior Spartans have seven first year players, five from grade nine and two grade 10s.”

As for what she expects at the Junior EOSSAA championships this Thursday in Brockville, Waddell says “we should be competitive. They work really hard and they are a great bunch of girls. We are a pretty resilient team when we need to be.”

[…]