The T-Wolves swept the final series against league favourites KC Colts to be crowned the League Champions for the first time since entering the Rural & Edmonton Midget AA League in the 2004/05 season. The R.E.M. is considered the toughest Midget AA league in the province to win. “With only 4 returning players; our rookies had to step up; and they all did! I’m very proud of this group of boys; they have battled everything this season to get here and worked hard to find success. They deserve this! Now it’s on to Provincials and we’ve sent a message – We’re coming to win!” said Head Coach Robert Paolinelli, in his third year at the helm of the Midget AA Timberwolves.
Finishing 5th over all during the regular season, the T-Wolves swept 4th place SSAC Lakewood in quarter-final action. Advancing to the semi-finals; PAC now faced the defending League Champions SSAC Dow Wheaton, who evidently knocked the T-Wolves out in last years quarter-final round. SSAC forced a third and deciding game. With a capacity crowd watching at the Grant Fuhr Arena, as well as members of the KC Colts; the T-Wolves drew first blood, SSAC tied the score late in the third which lead to OT. Both teams battled hard in overtime only to take the game into a five man shoot-out. Stopping the first four shooters for SSAC, T-Wolf goalie Taylor Davie was named the game star. Scoring for the T-Wolves in the shoot-out were Devon Detillieux and Peter Davidge to send the Wolves to the final against 1st place KC Colts.
During regular season play, KC dominated the T-Wolves and swept the series 3 games to none. Going into the final, the boys were ready, and the coaching staff had to put into play a new strategy to battle KC. “They have a team of mostly 17 year olds, and are very well coached by Mike; if we can find a way to shut down their break out and solve their goalies, we have a good chance at winning” said Coach Robert.
In the best-of-five series; KC had home ice advantage. After the 1st period, that advantage was gone, the T-Wolves left the ice leading 5-1. KC didn’t lay down, they battled back, but leading the PAC scoring were Captian Ryan Benn with 2, Assistant Captain Stephen Webber with 3, and Peter Davidge with a pair to win the game 7-5.
Game 2 was again hosted by Grant Fuhr Arena, again in front of a packed house. Stephen Webber led the team with 3 goals, while Ryan Benn and Peter Davidge scored singles to win the game 5-4.
Game three was back in KC’s barn; but with a large supporting crowd from both Spruce Grove and Stony Plain, the T-Wolves felt right at home. KC battled for their lives, and the Wolves answered back, scoring were Corey Helt, Stafford Stangway and Michael Tash. Tied 3-3 at the end of regulation time, the T-Wolves were going back to OT; only this time it was for the chance at winning the Championship. Scoring with 2:33 left on the clock, Peter Davidge, who sealed the deal against SSAC Don Wheaton, gave the Timberwolves their first League Championship!
“On behalf of the team, I’d like to thank the fans who came to our home games and especially those who followed us on the road – we really appreciated your support!” – Coach Robert Paolinelli
Ryan Benn “Captain” ~ Stefan Goertz-Garrison “A” ~ Stephen Webber “A” ~ Stafford Strangway “A” ~ Milos Mrdjenovich ~ Kyle Brand ~ Colin O’Neil ~ Devon Detillieux ~ Julian Topham ~ Sean Andrea ~ Peter Davidge ~ Michael Tash ~ CJ Howell ~ Dillon McGinnis ~ Evan Hnatiuk ~ Corey Helt ~ Ryan Page ~ Goalies: Taylor Davie ~ Hayden Smith ~ Mathew Klute ~ Team Officials: Brian Couglan “Trainer” ~ Rob Gardner “Asst. Coach” ~ Dale Drader “Asst. Coach” ~ Robert Paolinelli “Head Coach” ~ Karen Helt “Manager” |