Wednesday, March 23, 2011

2011 OHL Cup - Day 1 Recap

Press Release

Day 1 at the 2011 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament began with four games on the schedule:
Game 1: Markham Majors 3 (1-0-0) vs. Barrie Colts 2 (0-1-0)
The GTHL’s Markham Majors opened the 2011 OHL Cup with a 3-2 victory over the OMHA’s silver medal winning Barrie Colts.  Landon Schiller capitalized on a first period power play to put the Majors ahead 1-0 after the opening frame.  The teams traded goals in an evenly matched second period with Tahrel Miller counting for the Majors and Peyton Backus replying for the Colts.  Majors Player of the Game Daniel Nikandrov picked up his second point of the game with a third period goal which held as the game-winner as Zach Nastasiuk would later score shorthanded for the Colts to cut the lead to 3-2.  Jordan DeKort stood tall in the Majors goal with some key saves in the final minutes to hold the lead, while Patrick Rowe claimed Player of the Game honours between the pipes for Barrie.
Majors Player of the Game – Daniel Nikandrov (1G, 1A)
Colts Player of the Game – Patrick Rowe (Goaltender)
Game Summary

Game 2: Toronto Marlboros 5 (1-0-0) vs. Halton Hurricanes 0 (0-1-0)
The GTHL Champions and top ranked Toronto Marlboros flexed their muscles in the tournament opener cruising to a 5-0 win over the OMHA’s Halton Hurricanes.  The Marlies scored three first period goals led by Jonathan Duchesne, Bryson Cianfrone, and Aaron Berisha who finished the game with a pair of goals and an assist.  Despite the offense it was Marlies’ starting goalie Matthew Nestico who stole the show as Player of the Game.  “The ice felt really good and it was a nice atmosphere, I was able to see the puck really well,” Nestico said after the game.  “My team actually blocked a lot of shots for me and it helps when they score early, but I was really happy with the way I played to help our team get the win.”
Marlboros Player of the Game – Matthew Nestico (Goaltender)
Hurricanes Player of the Game – Mark Evely
Game Summary

Game 3: Toronto Jr. Canadiens 4 (1-0-0) vs. York Simcoe Express 2 (0-1-0)
Scott Teskey scored two goals including the game-winner and an insurance marker while adding an assist as Player of the Game for the GTHL’s Toronto Jr. Canadiens in a 4-2 win over the OMHA’s York Simcoe Express.  The game opened with a quick goal apiece as both the Canadiens and Express capitalized on their first shots on net with Leonard Dziemianko opening the scoring just 45 seconds into play for the Canadiens, and Nick Moutrey scoring on the power play at 2:41 for the Express.  Luke Carter found the back of the net to make it 2-1 for the Canadiens after one period only to see John Gage tie the score just 55 ticks into the second.  Teskey’s first of two goals put the Canadiens ahead for good at 10:42 of the second.
Jr. Canadiens Player of the Game – Scott Teskey (2G, 1A)
Express Player of the Game – Jack McDonald (Goaltender)
Game Summary

Game 4 – Don Mills Flyers 3 (1-0-0) vs. Elgin Middlesex Chiefs 0 (0-1-0)
Aidan Wallace’s goal at 2:28 of the first period held as the game-winner as the GTHL’s Don Mills Flyers skated to a tough 3-0 win over the ALLIANCE Champion Elgin Middlesex Chiefs.  After the opening goal the teams battled through a scoreless second period before Adam Abu-Ali gave the Flyers a bit of breathing room when he made it 2-0 at 2:22 of the third.  That was more than enough insurance for Kristian Leger who picked up the shutout as Player of the Game despite some close chances and constant pressure by the Express who had a late power play opportunity.  “Our special teams definitely played well tonight,” said Leger, who faced more shots than a typical Flyers game.  “It felt good to contribute and a win like this against a good team is great for the confidence.”
Flyers Player of the Game – Kristian Leger (Goaltender)
Chiefs Player of the Game – Graeme Lauersen (Goaltender)
Game Summary


(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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