2013 OHL Cup Semi-Final Recaps
The 2013 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament presented by Visit Orlando and hosted by the Greater Toronto Hockey League continued Saturday night March 16 with Semi-Final action at the Hershey Centre in Mississauga.
The Oakville Rangers and Toronto Marlboros both emerged victorious in their Semi-Final matchups, here are the recaps:
Semi-Final 1: Oakville Rangers 6 vs. York Simcoe Express 1 HIGHLIGHTS
By Mark McKelvie
The Oakville Rangers didn’t just want to win the semi-finals they wanted to make a statement, that statement was made loud and clear.
The Rangers came out of the gate flying and never let up from start to finish defeating the York Simcoe Express 6-1 in Saturday night’s first semi-final.
“We wanted to get in on the forecheck, get on the puck and put pucks in the goalies feet right away.” said Rangers forward Mark Bzowey who had two goals in the victory.
Sean Kohler got things started for the Rangers with a goal 1:38 into the game. Bzowey then contributed his two goals before the first period was done.
Any chance of the Express coming out in the second a new team was squashed instantly.
Adam Craievich scored only 13 seconds into the second period to make it 4-0.
“I got a little lucky because the defencemen blew a tire and I saw short side and I put it in short side off the post.” said Craievich after the game.
Craievich’s goal chased Express goaltender Marcus Semiao from the net with Quinten Bell replacing him between the pipes.
The goalie change didn’t spark the Express as Matt Luff scored his second of the tournament to make it 5-0.
The Express finally got on the board towards the end of the second as Sam Harding scored his third of the tournament.
The Rangers however, would start the third the way they started the second with a Craievich goal. Craievich’s second of the game came from a great wrister in the slot to make it a 6-1 final.
Despite Brendan McGlynn being in goal for the Quarter-Final victory earlier in the day, Adrian Clarke was in goal for the Rangers and picked up his second win in three starts at the OHL Cup.
The Rangers came into the game with the Express looking to inflict some revenge on a rival.
“They beat us in finals this year, they beat us in the semis of the Marlboros tournament and we said to the boys they can’t take another tournament away from us,” said Rangers head coach Duncan Harvey. “That’s our biggest rival for years in the OMHA and this was the last time we were going to play each other and someone got to walk away with bragging rights.”
Harvey says he expects his team to be fired up and ready for the finals.
“The boys are excited and we just hope they go and get a good rest and come out flying tomorrow.”
York Simcoe’s tournament ends with a record of 3-2-1. The Express were led in scoring by Sam Harding who had three goals and three assists for a point per game tournament.
The Rangers now head into the finals on Sunday having won four in a row after a draw and loss to start the tournament.
Rangers MVP – Mark Bzowey (2G 2A)
Express MVP – Tyler Boston
Semi-Final 2: Toronto Marlboros 4 vs. TPH Thunder 3 HIGHLIGHTS
By Rob Benneian
The Toronto Marlboros seemed to be in complete control and cruising towards a date with the Oakville Rangers in the OHL Cup championship game.
They had built a 4-1 lead early in the third period on goals by Michael Mcleod, Mitchell Webb, Justin Fregona and Mitchell Stephens. Goaltender Tyler Richardson was in peak form, kicking out numerous chances by the TPH Thunder with his quick feet.
Aaron O’Neill, who finished the tournament with eight points, revved up the Thunder offence with assists on goals by Hayden Winch and Josh Wilkins to narrow the gap to just one goal. O’Neill also assisted on the game’s opening goal, a first period strike by Austin Alger.
That was as close as the Thunder would come, however, as Richardson and the Marlboros withstood a late barrage, including playing shorthanded for the final 1:58 of the contest.
“It’s a lot of pressure generated from outside our dressing room that carries down, so that makes it difficult,” said Marlboros head coach Wayne Gagne. “I have a sense of relief because I want the kids to do well.”
Stephens, who scored the winner on a great individual effort six seconds into the third period and also assisted on Toronto’s first goal, was named the game’s first star. He said the team found their legs after a tough game with Elgin Middlesex earlier in the day, which Toronto won on a last-minute goal by Dylan Strome.
“I’m pumped,” said Stephens. “It’s something I waited for all year.”
The 2013 OHL Cup Championship Final between the Oakville Rangers and the Toronto Marlboros takes place Sunday March 17 at 3:00 pm at Herb Carnegie Arena in North York.
