There are those times where you can play a nearly-perfect road game and still come out on the losing end.
ThatSA国际影视传媒檚 what happened to YellowknifeSA国际影视传媒檚 Ethan Anstey and his Flin Flon Bombers in April 6 in Estevan, Sask. Even worse? It happened in Game 7.
Anstey and the Bombers had to watch the Estevan Bruins skate around their home ice that evening with the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) title as the Bruins shut out the Bombers, 2-0, in the deciding contest of their best-of-seven encounter. The win for the Bruins kept the pattern of the home team winning every game in the series going but Anstey felt it was Flin FlonSA国际影视传媒檚 for the taking.
He said they played one of the best road games possible.
SA国际影视传媒淭hereSA国际影视传媒檚 two outcomes: we leave as champs or we leave with regret,SA国际影视传媒� he said. SA国际影视传媒淪eeing them skate around with the trophy, you really wish it was you.SA国际影视传媒�
The first period ended scoreless but Estevan opened the scoring five minutes into the second frame off of a seeing-eye shot from the point where the puck played a bit of pinball, going through a crowd and then in off the post. There wasnSA国际影视传媒檛 any more scoring until late in the third period when Flin Flon was given a double-minor for high-sticking (the infraction drew blood). ThatSA国际影视传媒檚 where Estevan scored on what turned into a 4-on-3 power-play to double their lead and it was enough as the Bruins held on for the win and the crown.
SA国际影视传媒淭here was no quit among the guys but we knew it would be tough to come back,SA国际影视传媒� said Anstey. SA国际影视传媒淭rying to get two quick goals against their goaltender was going to be tough.SA国际影视传媒�
The Bombers forced Game 7 thanks to a 6-1 win in Game 6 at their barn three nights earlier and Anstey said he felt his side went in with all the momentum.
SA国际影视传媒淲e lost Game 5 in overtime and we had our backs to the wall but I would have bet all the money I have that we were winning Game 6,SA国际影视传媒� he said. SA国际影视传媒淲e were taking it back to Estevan and our fans were awesome. They call our arena The Zoo because the support we get in this town is just crazy.SA国际影视传媒�
So good was the support that the team had a travelling caravan of fans that made the trip for all of the road games in the final, he added.
The Bombers returned home the night after the loss but all is not over for the team. ThereSA国际影视传媒檚 the small matter of the Centennial Cup, the Canadian Jr. A Championship, to worry about and, even though they fell in the final, the Bombers will be the SJHL representatives. ThatSA国际影视传媒檚 because the Bruins are the host team and already qualified as such. Ten teams from around the country will converge on Estevan beginning on May 19 to determine the best junior A team in Canada.
Anstey said some of the players who live close to Flin Flon went home to spend some time with their families SA国际影视传媒� Anstey stayed in Flin Flon because it was too far for him to go home SA国际影视传媒� and the work for nationals begins later this week.
SA国际影视传媒淢ost of the guys are coming back Wednesday,SA国际影视传媒� said Anstey. SA国际影视传媒淚SA国际影视传媒檝e been here working out and preparing for getting back out there.SA国际影视传媒�
