Streak snapped

The drive to a seventh consecutive Central Newfoundland Junior High School Hockey League title has ended for the St. Paul's Intermediate Cardinals.

After winning game one of the junior high finals against the Exploits Valley Intermediate Eagles 6-1 on April 13 at the Gander Community Centre, the Cardinals lost game two in Grand Falls-Windsor 5-2 on April 20, and game three the following day at home 6-3.

The Cardinals were without captain Ryan Kane, as well as defenceman Ben Avery, for games two and three. Kane was away on holidays, while Avery is dealing with a collarbone injury that could keep him away from the ice for at least six weeks.

However, despite the missing cogs, head coach Don Burchill said the Cardinals still had enough to win its seventh consecutive league title. He gave full credit to the Eagles, saying the EVI squad deserved to take home the championship.

"I didn't think we played our best hockey over the past two games. We weren't as physical as we needed to be and our sense of urgency just wasn't there," said Burchill. "In the first game, we were all over (EVI captain Cody) Drover right from the get-go and he didn't have any opportunities. However, he killed us the last two games."

Defenceman Josh Fitzgerald, one of the eight returning players next season, also gave a lot of credit to the Eagles. Although he did say that losing Kane and Avery was a big blow to the lineup, the Eagles came out with a lot of jump in the first two periods, and scored all its six goals in the opening 30 minutes.

"They really came to play," said Fitzgerald, who played up front in the absence of Kane in game three and recorded two goals and an assist, while contributing five assists in game one. "They had more jump in the first and second periods. We came out strong in the third period and realized we could play with them. If we had another few minutes I think we could have tied the game."

The Cardinals scored two goals in the final period to cut the deficit to 6-3, but time wasn't on its side. The loss stopped the infamous title streak, something Fitzgerald knew had to happen sometime.

"It had to happen sometime, I just hate the fact that it had to be us," he said. "We knew it would happen to one group, I just wish it wasn't us."

Ever the competitor, Fitzgerald said he's already looking forward to next season where a new crop of Cardinals can begin another run at a string of titles.

"We get a shot at revenge," said the defenceman with a smile.

The Cardinals will lose about 50 per cent of its roster next year, which is average according to Burchill. Among those moving on to Gander Collegiate are Kane, Brandon Mills and Kyle Critchley - this season's top forward line.

Although the loss hurts, Burchill said what the Cardinals were able to do the last six years is pretty remarkable.

"They talk about creating dynasties after four years in the NHL, so for us to win six titles in a row is pretty special," he said. "We've had some great teams, and it always seems to be Grand Falls-Windsor and us in the finals, and it always seems to go three games. We just couldn't close the deal this year.

"It was a great year," he added. "Up until losing game two in the final, we hadn't lost a game all year. They're a great bunch of kids, and to those moving on next year, I wish them nothing but the best."

info@ganderbeacon.ca