Post by munzie on Feb 18, 2012 2:23:24 GMT -5
Congratulations to the Orillia Tundras (formerly the Orillia/Coldwater Toyota Tundras). The Tundras now have an 'X' beside their place in the standings. They have qualified for the first playoff run of their relatively new existence. They got a little help from a Dundas win over Norwood, which was much in doubt after two periods in Dundas. Norwood carried the lead from the start and took a 4-2 lead into the 3rd. Recently signed goaltender Anthony Marshall, played well and it looked like he might just give the Vipers enough to keep them in the hunt for post season. Fortunately for Orillia, the McCoys came out and got things clicking in period three and the 7-4 victory was enough to help Orillia clinch 4th place. As I was only able to arrive in Brantford for the final 2-1/2 minutes of play, I can just say that the final score was Brantford - 6 Orillia - 5. However if the noise in the rink for those final minutes was any indication, it may have been a pretty exciting contest. (seems like Pointstreak was on the fritz in Brantford and still doesn't show anything at the time of this post)
While Orillia may have gotten a little help on this night, make no mistake, they have improved measurably and have earned what they have achieved step by step. I'm not picking them to win the Allan Cup just yet, but they are not to be taken lightly either, and good for them.
Speaking of good things, Dundas has not been doing so badly either. Rather quietly they have ascended from last place (yes, last place) in mid December to 2nd place and presently knocking on Whitby's door. Not to shabby at all. Given that this season has been a bit of a transition, attempting to bring in some new and some younger players, I think significant strides have been made. It's a delicate balance to bring about such change in Senior AAA. The Leafs may be able to forever fill their house with "tomorrows? product" but that ain't going to work in Ontario Senior AAA. Other teams will attempt to improve themselves, sometimes quite measurably, by adding experience as the regular season winds down. It's a fact of life, and it can be tough to swallow for some new guys who haven't locked up an automatic spot on the roster when the annual card shuffling takes place. For that reason, it's nice to see, when a player, so effected, is given a chance to remain with the team and practice, commits himself to take his chances on being re-signed, and it all works out. Says a little something about the character of a guy, not that there was ever any doubt. Go Scott Stafford, and Go Real McCoys!!!
P.S. Nice to see Cam Watson back collecting points on Friday night. Without Superfan Mrs. Connelly (?) in the stands last week, he just wasn't the same.
While Orillia may have gotten a little help on this night, make no mistake, they have improved measurably and have earned what they have achieved step by step. I'm not picking them to win the Allan Cup just yet, but they are not to be taken lightly either, and good for them.
Speaking of good things, Dundas has not been doing so badly either. Rather quietly they have ascended from last place (yes, last place) in mid December to 2nd place and presently knocking on Whitby's door. Not to shabby at all. Given that this season has been a bit of a transition, attempting to bring in some new and some younger players, I think significant strides have been made. It's a delicate balance to bring about such change in Senior AAA. The Leafs may be able to forever fill their house with "tomorrows? product" but that ain't going to work in Ontario Senior AAA. Other teams will attempt to improve themselves, sometimes quite measurably, by adding experience as the regular season winds down. It's a fact of life, and it can be tough to swallow for some new guys who haven't locked up an automatic spot on the roster when the annual card shuffling takes place. For that reason, it's nice to see, when a player, so effected, is given a chance to remain with the team and practice, commits himself to take his chances on being re-signed, and it all works out. Says a little something about the character of a guy, not that there was ever any doubt. Go Scott Stafford, and Go Real McCoys!!!
P.S. Nice to see Cam Watson back collecting points on Friday night. Without Superfan Mrs. Connelly (?) in the stands last week, he just wasn't the same.