An Olympic sized arena seemed to favour the World side of the Greater Metro Hockey League All Star game held at Teen Ranch in Caledon on Saturday, January 15.
The 13 team league sent its top players for the annual event which was divided between the World team, comprised of foreign born players, and Team North America which had home grown talent on the roster.
The first period ended with Team North America leading 2-1.
But the second period turned it around.
After playing to a 5-5 tie, the World team scored four in the second half of the frame putting the pressure on North America to get back in the game in the final twenty minutes.
But a strong attack gave the World a lead and Team North America just couldn’t make up the deficit.
A final goal with 59 seconds left on the clock gave Team World a 13-6 win.
The game won’t affect the standings or points leaders in the league but it did offer the fans an opportunity to see their favourite players mix it up with other teams and watch the best players step on the ice with other top talent.
“This is an opportunity to recognize your athletes and have them play for a decent size crowd.” said GMHL Director of Communications Marshall Uretsky.
Uretsky is also the owner of the Toronto Canada Moose hockey club.
“It gives the opportunity to exchange styles of play and meet some other players from around the league. Especially in our league where it has been a major decision for a lot of people to join our league.” he said in reference to the controversy that has surrounded the GMHL since it’s inception. “As well as to showcase the better talent in our league for scouts, and from everything to other players and parents and media to show that the calibre of our league is exceptional. We continue to improve every day, and like All Star games in general this gives a pat on the back to those who are in the top end of the league.”
The Shelburne Redwings had a strong showing representing Team World.
Redwings head coach Jim Aldred was on the bench.
Shelburne forwards Denis Zverey, Alex Nikulnikov, Stanislav Dzakhov, and defenceman Nikita Vakilyey kept a constant rotation on the ice, and goalie Georgy Kiselev was in goal for the first period of the game.
The Redwings will get back to business this weekend with a road game against Toronto on Saturday, January 22, at the Thornhill Community Centre.
The game is scheduled for 7:35 p.m.
By BRIAN LOCKHART
Sports Editor Orangeville Citizen
January 20, 2011
No comments:
Post a Comment