Tigers Hold Off Late Gryphins Charge For OT Win

It was a complete role reversal from Game 1 as the Wentworth Gryphins were forced to battle back on home ice Thursday night, but it was the Stoney Creek Tigers who had the last word. Cole Poliziani netted the overtime winner to give the Tigers a 4-3 victory, evening the best-of-five Robertson Cup Finals at one game apiece.

While Game 2 didn't match the offensive fireworks of the series opener last Saturday, the intensity and drama were every bit as compelling.

Alex Hutchings got the Gryphins on the board first, scoring his seventh of the postseason at 3:31 of the opening period. The lead was short-lived, however, as Mike Ruberto converted on the power play at the six-minute mark to knot the score at one. Poliziani then gave Stoney Creek the lead heading into the first intermission, burying his second of the playoffs with 2:54 remaining in the period.

The second period passed scoreless, setting the stage for a dramatic final frame. Dylan Madge extended the Tigers' advantage to two goals at 6:46 of the third, but Wentworth refused to fold. Eric Diodati trimmed the deficit to one at 11:56, and Cory Caruso delivered the equalizer — his first of the postseason — with 5:40 left in regulation to force overtime.

The Gryphins came out flying in the extra period, outshooting Stoney Creek 10-4 and generating several golden opportunities to close out the game. Poliziani had other ideas, however, potting his second of the night at 6:31 of overtime to hand the Tigers their first win of this year's Robertson Cup Finals.

In net, Daniel Svedin earned his fourth victory of the postseason, turning aside 39 of 42 shots for Stoney Creek. Joe Murdaca took the hard-luck loss for Wentworth, stopping 32 shots in a gutsy performance.

The series now shifts back to Stoney Creek Arena for a pivotal Game 3 on Saturday, March 28th. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

Upcoming Schedule
Saturday, March 28 – Game 3
Wentworth at Stoney Creek – 6:30pm

Thursday, April 2 – Game 4
Stoney Creek at Wentworth – 7:30pm

Saturday, April 4 – Game 5*
Wentworth at Stoney Creek – 6:30pm

* - 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