Undefeated in playdowns, Dorchester faces Collingwood in a six point title series
Friday, March 16, 2018
Dorchester Dragons' head coach Jeff McKay, gives instruction for a drill during practice, at the Flight Exec Centre, prior to leaving for their OMHA final against Collingwood. The six point series starts Saturday in Collingwood. (photo / Rob J. Ross)
By Rob J. Ross
DORCHESTER - The Dorchester bantam BB Dragons are a step away, from capping one of the best seasons for their minor hockey organization, with red hats.
Up next in the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) championship are the Collingwood Blackhawks, in a six point series, that begins Saturday in Collingwood.
Game two is in Dorchester, 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Dorchester has yet to lose a game in the OMHA playdowns, defeating Mt Brydges, St. Marys, Caledonia and Thorold. Only Thorold managed to squeeze an extra game out of Dorchester, with a 2-2 tie, in game two of their semi-final.
Overall this season, the Dragons are 37-5-5, including an unbeaten run in regular season league action.
"From one to 15, we're solid and our goaltending is solid too. We are very balanced. Our six D are very strong," Dragons' head coach Jeff McKay said. "We don't change too much (for the final). What got us here is that we pressure the puck all over the ice. We have forwards who can skate and defencemen who move the puck really well. We'll go out and do what has got us here so far."
Goalie Bryce Gnidec has posted at least a dozen shutouts.
"It speaks to his play, but also the depth of our team too."
Reaching the OMHA final, joins the Dragons' season highlights of going 5-1 at the Nations' Cup tournament and a team trip to Columbus, Ohio, to watch fellow Dorchester native Boone Jenner with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
"We're really good at chipping the puck in and going for it. We're a quick team and we tired a lot fo team out with that. Speed and high intensity gets it done for us," Dragons' alternate captain Curtis McKay said. "We'll keep the high intensity up (against Collingwood), work hard, take lots of shots and play good defensively."
Dorchester will be without McKay's line-mate, captain Connor Erb, for game one, away on a family trip to Hawaii.
It's the second OMHA final for Curtis, who is appreciating this year a little more than his first time, an appearance in the OMHA West novice final.
"I didn't know what it's like as I was young. Now that I'm older I know what it is all about. I'm excited about it."
Collingwood beat Midland (seven points to one), Huntsville (6-4) and Prince Edward County (7-5), to earn their spot in the final.
Players on OMHA championship teams win red hats, along with medals.
BANTAM AE
Dorchester's bantam AE team has also made their OMHA final, against the Pelham Panthers. That series starts Sunday in Pelham.
Dorchester is 10-0 in the playdowns, allowing more than a goal only in two games.