Tigers Edge Dundas 3-2 To Advance

Photo courtesy of Paul Wright

Stoney Creek punched their ticket to the ACHL Robertson Cup Finals on Friday night, edging out the Dundas Real McCoys 3-2 in Game Three to complete the sweep. Mike Ruberto led the way for the Tigers, scoring once and adding an assist, while the McCoys' Igor Gongalsky scored both of Dundas's goals in a losing effort.

The game started tentatively, with the McCoys peppering Stoney Creek netminder Daniel Svedin with shots — many of them soft floaters from the point. It would be the Tigers who struck first when Mike Ruberto deflected a Cole Poliziani shot from the point for the opening goal at 7:26. A couple of minutes later, Aaron Smith had two quality chances to even things up, but was stopped on both opportunities.

Not long after, Gongalsky found the back of the net, collecting a rebound off Holden Doggett's shot and putting it five-hole through Svedin to make it a one-goal game. The tie didn't last long, however, as Ruberto attempted a wraparound on the Dundas goal. The puck slid through the crease and landed on Cordell James' stick, who tapped it in to restore the Tigers' lead.

The second period came and went without a goal and with only a handful of whistles. It wouldn't be until the midpoint of the third period that another tally came. Bo Webster would collect what turned out to be the game-winning goal at 8:30 of the period — though it came with some controversy, as goaltender Mike Mole was spun out of the crease just before the puck bounced off a McCoys defender and trickled into the net.

Just over a minute and a half later, Gongalsky snapped a shot from the bottom of the faceoff circle to beat Svedin and pull Dundas back within one. The McCoys pressed hard for the equalizer and nearly had it with 30 seconds remaining, but the puck rang off the crossbar.

Svedin earned the victory with 43 saves on the night. At the other end of the ice, Mole stopped 41 of 44 shots in the loss.

Stoney Creek now awaits the winner of the other semifinal series between the Wentworth Gryphons and St. Catharines Saints. The Gryphins lead that series two games to none, with Game Three set for Saturday night at the Merritton Centennial Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Upcoming Playoff Games
Saturday, March 14
Wentworth at St. Catharines – 7:30pm (Merritton Centennial Arena) Game #3

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

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