Times Advocate, 1992-05-06, Page 13Keith Robson and Brian Schuyler after a goal during Thurs-
day's game. Celebration was short as the Irish were beaten
the next night.
Three times unlucky
Irish lose final
to Thamesford
By Ray Lewis
THAMESFORD - The Lucan
Irish made history Friday night in
Thamesford. Unfortunately, not in
the manner -they had hoped for.
For the third time in as many years,
the same two seams have met in the
OHA Development League final.
And for the third time in as many
years it was the Thamesford Tro-
jans who captured the all -Ontario
crown.
"At the end of the game they an-
nounced that it was the fust time a
team had ever won 'it three years
straight," commented Irish manag-
er Ken Freeman. "It's quite a feat."
Irish coach Ken Needham
agreed.
"We did our best to try and stop
it," said a disheartened Needham.
"I guess it just wasn't meant to bc."
The Irish managed to fight off
elimination Thursday night in Lu -
can with a spirited contest which
pushed the series to its sixth game.
Lucan pulled off a 7-1 victory and
seemed destined to make it game
seven when they staked themselves
a 3-0 lead in Thamesford Friday
night.
But the' wheels came off in the
second period, and a Trojan goal
with less than three minutes re-
maining gave Thamesford the title.
"I think the guys thought they
were going to game seven for sure
Thamesford Trams' goal Steve Blanchette goes down to make a save in Thursday's game.
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after they grabbed a 3-0 lead," said
coach Ken Needhani. "But they
forgot they had to play another for-
ty minutes."
Ed VanKerkeorle opened the
scoring early in the first period
when he buried a shot past Trojan
goattender Steve Blanchette. Two
minutes later, Jeremy Jemec made
it 2-0 and Scott Riddell gave the
Irish a 3-0 kad by period's end.
But the Trojans stormed back
with four goals of their own in the
second period, as the Irish seemed
a little overconfident.
Steve Snider breathed some life
back into the squad early in the
thini period, tying the game at four.
For the next 15 minutes fans in the
Thamesford arena saw the best
hockey of the year with neither
team able to score.
With under three minutes to go,
the Trojans caught a break to go up
5-4. Lucan pulled goaltender Bob
Szabo for the extra attacker, but
couldn't capitalize and the Trojans
managed to ice the game and the
championship with two empty net
goals.
Ahhough the Irish came up a
game short of the championship,
they deserve more than just a pat
on the back. Being in a re -building
year, they weren't supposed to fm-
ish very strong, and least of all
make a challenge for -the league ti-
tle.
"We weren't really supposed to
do it any of the last three years,"
said Needham. "But we have and I
don't know how. We just ended up
with a good bunch of kids."
Because of that, Needham and
the Irish have had many happy mo-
ments over the course of the sea-
son. Unfortunately, losing :id'Ma-
jnesford for the .third
one of them.
"I was asked the question'ist"
year if, it hurt more the year be -
fare," said Needham. "I said yes
and it hurts a hell of a lot moreahis
time."
I>rieh 7; Trojans 1
Szabo hada-great.game Thursday
night in Laden, and the big guns
wt Lazing as the hish whomped-
the 'Trojans in game five of their
best -of -seven series by a score of 7-
Should players hav -
gone on vacation?
And what would you
do?
The !AMR Irish
have become part of
history as they were the vic-
tims of the Thamesford Tro-
jans winning the OHA Junior
'D' championship for the third
straight year.
Several of the players
missed most of the series because they were not available due
to a prior commitment. They were in Florida in a hockey tour-
nament, which lute been told wasn't well received by ionic
minor hockey personnel, but that's not the issue here.
Coach Ken Needham was informed by the group they
would not be around for the first few games against. the Tro-
jans. It didn't really matter because the Irish got excellent ef-
forts from Paul O'Shea and Brett Revington to pick up the
slack.
When the Floridians retumed, Needham had to make prob-
ably one of the toughest decisions he's had to as a coach.
Should these guys play? Obviously, they can help thelllUn; .
but should the others who have busted their butts the last few
games be demoted to the end of the bench or, not dressing at
all?
Opinions vary on this, but let me give a little background.
Not to take anything away for the Irish, but who would have
thought they would have made it to the finals, not me.
They planned their trip long before they went up against
Mitchell in the division finals and when you've got your mon-
ey down on something, it's hard to forfeit the cash especially
when you're a teenager.
Needham was disappointed they left and he was upset at
their performance, but when they came back they were able to
play. That's his decision, if he thought it was in the best inter-
est of the club, so be it.
For us observers of the Irish, criticizing the coach or the
team on this one Is -wrong because you can't look into the fu-
ture and predict what a team is going to do or not do.
sidelines
by
Fred
Groves
Eight local teams in 4wo divisions will fie competing in a
rollerblade hockey.toournamentat the South:Huron lbgtertdon
Centre on Sunday, May 10.
The event will have two age dlvislons,941:and I244.`The
top two teams in each division 'will advaNe`sathtthe-South
Westem Ontario championships at, the Kiger Arena on
May 31.
"It's basically hockey rules, no contact," laid Gary MacLean
of MacLean's Source For Sports in Exe*er.Bauer and Source
For Sports arc sponsoring the toumamenrwhich will have
Many prizes.
"The kids have been practicing. They are having fun."
South Huron Recreation Centre director Lynne Farquhar
has announced a three -on -three basketball -u uzuament is be-
ing planned for Saturday, May 16.
There will be two divisions; high school aged which will
play at the rec centre outdoor court while the public school
will be at the Exeter Public SchooLcaut ts...,—
1.
Szabo kicked out 40 shots includ-
ing 17 in the final period while his
team mates had a feast on Thames -
ford.
The Irish opened the scoring just
two minutes into the game when
Vankerkoerle banged home a pass
Continued on page 16
ter_. <<
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As the name suggests, the group has.a variety of breeds in
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Last year, a -mule named -Millie did the leadline speed
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There are a variety of classes, both English and Westem as
well as some leadline and walk/jog classes for the little tykes.
There are gaming classes such as Cloverleaf and pole bend-
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Shows throughout the season take place in Exeter, Seaforth
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Those wishing more information can contact Lisa at 565-
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