October 9, 2006... THE TIGER AWAKENS IN WHITBY

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME The Streetsville Tigers entered the Championship game minus Head Coach Mike Canavan, defensman David Canavan and forwards Dustin Hayward and Adam Galbraith. Assistant coach, Matt Emanuele, took on all duties including head coach, trainer, gatekeeper and water boy with help from Connor Clark working the other gate. Despite being shorthanded there were no excuses and the Tigers prepared to do battle with their worthy opponents.

Early on the play went back and forth with both teams having chances but to no avail. As has been the case all weekend the Tigers work ethic and team play could not be matched. Of note Adam Hiscock, Matthew Raleigh, Jace McGrath and Nick Wallace all found another gear and forechecked tenaciously. 8 minutes into the period Mark Shiozaki crushed the Panther’s player who after lying on the ice finally found his feet but wasn't sure if his skates were still there. The spirited 1st period ended with no goals by either team. It was quite evident that given a chance to play both teams were evenly matched.

In the 2nd period the Pickering Panthers scored the 1st goal on the power play 10 minutes in. The Tigers continued there spirited play but it was the Panthers who scored again with only 45 seconds left in the second period. The Pickering Panthers rounded out the scoring with their 3rd goal of the game despite the Tigers efforts to mount a comeback. The Panther goaltender was outstanding blocking all shots by the Tigers, providing a boost of confidence to his teammates.

David Johnston was selected as the games Most Valuable Player (MVP). It was well deserved as his poise and consistency was paramount not only in this game but the whole weekend. In his own way he provided the necessary leadership that allowed the Tigers forwards to perform their kamikaze fore-checking with confidence.

Despite the loss the Tigers proved that they are a team to be reckoned with. The coaching staff have instilled the “Heart of the Tiger” in each of the players with a grueling work ethic and passion for the sport of hockey. After this weekend there is evidence that “Eye of the Tiger” in each of the players has awoken and to a man (boy), they are stalking their next victims.

This Thursday they face with great anticipation the league leading Mississauga Jets.

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