December 31, 2006
Game #52 – Notre Dame Hounds 5 – Beardy’s Blackhawks 4 (OT)
First Quarterfinal
Max Bell Arena
The first period was marred by Notre Dame’s several missed scoring opportunities. Notre Dame dominated the first period creating at least 10 scoring chances and out shooting Beardy’s 12 to 5. However Beardy’s took a 2-1 lead into the second period by scoring on just their second shot of the game and then scoring four and half minutes later on the power play. Notre Dame’s persistence paid off in the second period by scoring 2 unanswered goals and out shooting Beardy’s Blackhawks 19 to 8. The Blackhawks and the Hounds exchanged goals near the end of the second period leading to a 4 to 3 lead for Notre Dame when the period ended. Notre Dame held the lead until late in the third. With just a minute left in the game Beardy’s gained the offensive zone and froze the puck to enable them to call a time out. On the ensuing face off, Beardy’s was able to scrum the face off and force the puck to the net which was followed by several bouncing pucks and the eventual shot by #12 Craig McCallum, tying the game at 4. End to end action in the overtime period led to a game winning slap shot 2:31 into overtime by #21 Rylan Schwartz into the short side just above the blocker and just below the cross bar. Schwartz had also had an assist earlier in the game, and earned the Easton Game Star for the Hounds. John Esposito had 3 assists for the Hounds. Linden Vey was the Easton Game Star for the Blackhawks, with two assists.
Game #53 – Red Deer Optimist Rebels 4 – Calgary Northstars 3 (2 OT)
Second Quarterfinal
Father David Bauer Arena
One of Calgary’s three remaining chances found themselves on the outside looking in after a heartbreaking loss at Father David Bauer. The game went into a double over time before the Rebels won it with a power play goal by Elliot Marion four minutes into the second over time. The Northstars trailed going into the third period, but they scored a goal with eight and a half minutes remaining in the third to make it close. Then on a power play with under a minute remaining Steven Murray tied it up to force overtime. An even number of penalties from both teams and roughly the same number of shots on goal made this game a close one. Four goals of the game were scored on power plays. Matt Fraser had 2 goals for the Rebels, while Chase Schaber added 3 assists in the victory.
Game #54 – Russia Severstal 3 – Moose Jaw Warriors 1
Third Quarterfinal
Max Bell Arena
Hard hits and great enthusiasm from the Warriors just wasn’t enough to overthrow Russia. The Warriors and Severstal played an evenly matched first period, and early it was looking good for the Warriors as the period finished with the score tied at 1. Severstal took a 2-1 lead four and half minutes into the second period with their third power play goal of the game, off a juicy rebound left by Warrior’s goalie Dustin Lehne. Moose Jaw out shot Russia for most of the second period, but with strong skating and quick puck movement Russia dominated the end of the second period. Russia eventually out shot Moose Jaw 12-7, taking a 3-1 lead into the third. They protected their 2 goal lead throughout the third period allowing only 5 shots on goal and forcing Moose Jaw to take two penalties late in the third and restricting their ability to mount a strong comeback. Russia faces the Calgary Buffaloes in the second semi-final, 6:00 tonight at the Max Bell Arena.
Game #55 – Calgary Buffaloes 3 – UFA Bisons 0
Fourth Quarterfinal
Father David Bauer Arena
The wildcard Buffaloes shocked the boys from Strathmore and pool 5 winners UFA Bisons to take the fourth and final quarterfinal match of the 2006 Mac’s Tournament. James Reid of the Buffaloes backstopped his team for the win, turning away 23 shots to record the shutout. Ian Schultz scored the game winner, halfway through the first period and the Bisons just couldn’t put one behind the Calgary keeper, Reid. Adam Thompson took a pass from Schultz and netted a powerplay goal midway through the second. Minutes later, Riley Reinbolt added another tally that solidified the win for the Buffaloes. Calgary takes on Russia at six tonight at the Max Bell Center; the winner of that game will be playing for the championship title tomorrow at the Saddledome.
Game #56 –Notre Dame Hounds 4 - Red Deer Optimist Rebels 1
First Semifinal
Max Bell Arena
In a hard fought battle between Saskatchewan’s Notre Dame Hounds and the Red Deer Optimist Rebels, the Hounds earned themselves the right to play in the championship game. The Hounds killed off an extended two-man penalty early in the second to gain momentum and the game’s first goal, thanks to Richard Hubscher jumping on a rebound to put the puck behind the Rebels net minder Marc Boulanger. Shane Gray scored the eventual game winner 3 minutes into the third period and added an assist on an insurance goal. Boulanger stopped 34 of 38 shots for the Rebels, earning him player of the game. Meanwhile, Hounds’ keeper Mathieu LaRochelle held the Rebels scoreless for most of the game until Jordan Hale netted on with 21 seconds remaining in the game. Red Deer will now play for bronze at 10:00am tomorrow, while Notre Dame faces with the winner of the Russia/Buffaloes game at the Saddledome tomorrow afternoon at 2:00.
Game #57 – Russia Severstal 7 – Calgary Buffaloes 4
Second Semifinal
Max Bell Arena
The wildcard Calgary Buffaloes and lone local team still in contention for the title played well against the tough Russia team. Both goaltenders looked good on some tough saves, but it was Sergey Shchukin for the Russians who came out with the win. The game was close with Russia leading 1-0 for the first half of the game. The turning point in the game came when the Buffaloes had a 5 on 3 powerplay for a minute and a half but the Russian’s Nikolay Kazakovotsov got a break and potted a shorthanded tally putting the Russians up 2-0. The goal was the first on the way to completing a hat trick for the young Player. The physical play of both teams was solid, and at times leaving the opposing player sprawling on the ice. The Russians tended to be on the receiving end for a bulk of the hits. The end of the third period saw a flurry of goals from both teams but it was the Buffaloes who really put the pressure on and tried to erase the deficit. Numerous penalties in the final minutes resulted in 3 powerplay goals and added to the excitement of this last semi-final. Unfortunately for Calgary, it wasn’t enough and Alexey Nogikh potted an empty netter to bring the final score to 7-4 for the visiting Russians. Some notable mentions were Spencer Copp who led the charge for the Buffaloes with 2 goals and one assist. Adam Thompson also pitched in with a goal and assist. The Buffaloes will play tomorrow morning at 10:00 at the Saddledome for bronze, while Russia Severstal plays at 2:30 for the 29th championship Mac’s Cup against the Notre Dame Hounds.
