James And The Tigers Continue Where They Left Off

by Mike Marasco

Photo courtesy of Paul Wright

On Thursday night, the puck dropped on the 2024-25 Allan Cup Hockey League season with a rematch of the 2024 Robertson Cup Final between the Stoney Creek Tigers and the Wentworth Gryphins at the Harry Howell Arena.

The teams last met April 10th with the Stoney Creek Tigers picking up the win to capture the Robertson Cup. That night, Cordell James picked up a goal and three assists. 2019 days later, James continued to pick up points, scoring three times and picking up a pair of assists in the 9-5 victory.

Stoney Creek jumped out to the early lead with goals by James and Kyle Essery before the halfway mark of the opening period. Marc-Anthony Simonetta cut the lead in half, scoring the Gryphins first tally of the year with just under four minutes remaining in the stanaza, However, before the period ended, James scored his second of the game, this time on the power play.

In the second, the Gryphins would get back to within a goal after Tyler Rollo scored at 10:47 of the period. The Tigers got that goal back and added another in a 23 second span with Mike Ruberto and Jordan Gignac picking up their first goals of the campaign.

It was more of the same as Stoney Creek added four more goals in the third. Ruberto and Gignac adding a second in the game and James finishing off the hat trick. Jason Popek and Kyle Lewis each potted a goal in a losing effort.

The Tigers and Griffins will take to the ice once again this week, but the scene will shift to the Gateway Ice Centre on Saturday night. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:30pm.

Upcoming Games
Saturday November 16
Wentworth at Stoney Creek – 6:30pm

Thursday November 21
Dundas at Wentworth– 7:30pm

Saturday November 30
Dundas at Stoney Creek – 6:30pm

Friday December 6
Stoney Creek at Dundas – 7:30pm

Saturday December 7
Wentworth at Stoney Creek – 6:30pm

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For more information contact Allan Cup Hockey Commissioner Rick Richardson at 905-328-4727 or email: rickystar911@outlook.com