Spartans Heading to Finals
The Almaguin Spartans headed into Game #4 last night in Bradford with an opportunity to advance to the Russell Cup Finals and sweep the Rattlers. The Spartans came out of the gate strong, but it would be the Rattlers striking first at the 8minute mark. Less than 3 minutes later though the Spartans would even the score as Gauthier snapped one home from Hannaford and Austin. The clubs would trade chances for the next 30 minutes, but it wouldn’t be until the final two minutes of the second when the Rattlers scored to go up 2-1.
It appeared the Rattlers were heading into the intermission with a 2-1 lead, but with only 1 second left in the second, Labrosse scored on a short-handed breakaway from Bergman to even the score and give the Spartans a huge momentum boost heading into the third. The teams traded chances throughout the third period, but neither team could capitalize until with only 3:32 left when Captain Bryan Austin ripped a one timer top shelve from Whitehead and Gauthier. The Spartans received a penalty with only two minutes left, but everyone battle hard and killed off the 6 on 4. Final score 3-2 Spartans.
Three Stars of the Game
1st Star Erik Spath 50 Saves
2nd Star Alexandre Gauthier 1G, 1A
3rd Star Bryan Austin 1G, 1A
Last night’s win capped off an incredible run in the North Division Playoffs for the Spartans as they swept all three series (2-0 South Muskoka, 3-0 Temiscaming and 4-0 Bradford) an only gave up 17 goals in this 9 Game playoff winning streak. The Spartans will now prepare for the winner of the Niagara Whalers/St George Ravens series. The Whalers currently lead that series 2-1. As soon as that series is complete the GMHL will release a Russell Cup Finals Schedule. This series will be a best 4 out of 7.
