Stoney Creek Puts McCoys On The Brink Of Elimination

Game Two of the best-of-five semi-final series between the Stoney Creek Tigers and the Dundas Real McCoys was played at Stoney Creek Arena on Saturday night. Behind a dominant three-point night each from Cole Poliziani, Paul Geiger, and Josh Pietrantonio — all of whom scored a goal and added two assists — the Tigers skated away with a 6-4 victory and a commanding 2-0 series lead.

Saturday's contest got off to a familiar start. Much like Game One, Stoney Creek came out flat, and Dundas made them pay. Brad Bonello opened the scoring at 5:10, and Simon Mangos doubled the McCoys' lead at 11:43. The Tigers then found their footing, storming back with two goals in 1:33 to level the score. Geiger converted on the power play at 14:01, and Poliziani tied it at 15:34.

Stoney Creek grabbed their first lead just 23 seconds into the second period on a Pietrantonio goal. Bo Webster extended the advantage to two less than 90 seconds later, and Mike Ruberto — notching his third of the playoffs — pushed it to three at 10:19.

Dundas refused to fold quietly. Tim Carr pulled one back at 1:19 of the third, and Wood made it a one-goal game at 5:27. But the Tigers shut the door for good when Andrew Whalen buried an empty-netter with 59.4 seconds remaining.

In net, Matt Sagrott turned aside 17 shots to earn the win, while Ryan DeMelo kept Dundas in it with 34 saves on 39 shots in a losing effort.

Stoney Creek will look to complete the sweep on Friday, March 13, when they travel to Dundas' J.L. Grightmire Arena for Game 3. Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m.

Upcoming Playoff Games
Thursday, March 12
St. Catharines at Wentworth – 7:30pm (Harry Howell Arena) Game #2

Friday, March 13
Stoney Creek at Dundas – 7:30pm (J.L. Grightmire Arena) Game #3

Saturday, March 14
Dundas at Stoney Creek – 6:30pm (Stoney Creek Arena) Game #4*
Wentworth at St. Catharines – 7:30pm (Merritton Centennial Arena) Game #3

Sunday, March 15
Dundas at Stoney Creek – 6:30pm (Stoney Creek Arena) Game #5*

Tuesday, March 17
St. Catharines at Wentworth – 7:30pm (Harry Howell Arena) Game #4*

Thursday, March 19
St. Catharines at Wentworth – 7:30pm (Harry Howell Arena) Game #5*

*If Necessary

Follow the Allan Cup Hockey League social media on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Bluesky.

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