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The Citizen, 2005-04-21, Page 8PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2005. Sports Ironmen swept aside by Essex By Jim Brown Citizen staff The Wingham Ironmen will not be competing for the OHA Junior C championship and the Clarence Schmalz Trophy. There will be no opportunity to avenge their four-game sweep at the hands of the Grimsby Peach Kings last year. The Ironmen fell 3-1 to the Essex 73s last Friday at the North Huron Wescast Community Complex to be swept aside in four games. On April 12, the Ironmen were handed an 8-2 setback in Essex. Both Joel Hemingway of Brussels and Cole Stewart of Blyth were disappointed at losing the series. But, both agreed the 73s were the best team they had played all season. “It’s always disappointed when you lose,” said Hemingway. “It doesn’t matter in how many games, it’s always disappointing, no matter at what level you play.” The veteran Ironmen blueliner said Essex was a strong, disciplined team who play their positions well. “By far, they are the best team we’ve played this year,” he said. Stewart was obviously disappointed in the setback as were all members of the Wingham Junior C squad as they sat in the quiet dressing room waiting to have their annual team photo taken. ‘We had some good moments in the series and we had some bad moments,” he said. ‘We had to play every game like we did the final two periods tonight To the attack Wingham Ironman Cole Stewart watches the play as he skates up the ice during play in last Friday’s OHA Junior C playdown contest ag­ ainst the Essex 73s, played at the North Huron Wescast Comm­ unity Complex. Stewart assisted on Wingham's only goal as the Ironmen fell 3-1 to the 73s and lose the series in four straight games. (Jim Brown photo) LAWN QUESTIONS? Organic Programs 1 iTXi Available ACCREDITED 524-2424 -Trust the Professionals - (Friday).” The Ironmen forward and leading scorer for both the regular season and the playoffs said Essex was a well- coached team and they played their systems well. Hemingway said Essex was able to capitalize on their power plays, with a couple of first-period markers with the man advantage. The Ironmen, on the other hand, were unable to capitalize on their power play chances, especially in the first period when they had a two-man advantage for a full two minutes. They were able to apply some pressure, but were unable to get the goal. “We didn’t take advantage of our power play opportunities out there,” said Hemingway. “They got a couple of power play goals and that was the difference in the game.” About a couple of minutes after the Ironmen were unable to make use of the two-man advantage, Dan Szmigielski scored for the 73s ©n the power play. Less than two minutes later, Mike Venables gave the 73s a 2- 0 lead. And, with 16 seconds left in the period, Craig Miller gave Essex a three-goal lead, on the power play. The second period was scoreless although both teams had good opportunities. At 14:23 of the third period, Zack O’Krafka scored for the Ironmen, with help from Hemingway and Stewart. At least three members of the Ironmen — forward O’Krafka, defenceman Jamie Chester and goaltender Jason Blinkhorn played their last career junior hockey game on Friday. They were the three over- agers this season. General manager Steve Coulter of Brussels is also not returning next season. He has decided to retire after spending the past 20 years in hockey. Scoring the goals on April 12 in Essex were Shawn Walker from Stewart and Matt MacPhee from Walker. Stewart said he would probably be back next season, but is still undecided following Friday’s contest. The 73s now play the winner of the Grimsby-Uxbridge series for the Clarence Schmalz Trophy, em­ blematic of Junior C supremecy in Ontario Come join Huron County's premier golf course! 2005 Memberships 7-day - $725 single, $1235 couple 5-day, Mon.-Fri. - $600 single, $1025 couple Junior - 18 and under - $235 all prices plus GST Defensive stalwart Joel Hemingway (5) of the Wingham Ironmen played a steady defensive game along the blueline for the Junior C team this Season. (FJm Brown photo) (D CD- CQ ■’ O o LU *■* CO (/> ** CD O l- Q. CO0) £ .CO o4-* c o u3 <D £ Opportunity Fund Call the Take Heart Huron Project at the Huron County Health Unit, 482-3416 or 1-877-837-6143 to receive your application package. The deadline for completed applications is extended to May 13, 2005. encouvaQ®. dents to: Huron Res . r m be s * eaV Scatty acW® Grants of up to $750 awarded for heart healthy projects LEAGUE PLAY MONDAY MAY 2: WEDNESDAY, MAY 4 WEDNESDAY, MAY 4 Come play in one of our leagues SENIORS Monday mornings 7 am - 12 pm Excluding Holidays $10/9 holes, $15/18 holes LADIES' NIGHT: Wednesday $12/9 holes MEN’S NIGHT: Thursday $12/9 holes All leagues start week of May 2 Learn to play Golf BEGINNER GROUP LESSONS - CLASSES START MAY 2 AND RUN FOR 5 WEEKS am am pm pm 6:30-7:30 pm 7:30-8:30 pm 9:00-10:00 10:00-11:00 6:30-7:30 7:30-8:30 Learn a game that lasts a lifetime! 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