Pirates’ journey to Schmalz Cup begins with split
Administrator | Apr 20, 2013 | Comments 2
Picton Pirates began the journey to the Schmalz Cup trophy Friday at home with a win and Saturday with a loss. They now move on to Essex for Games three and four.
There are more than 60 Junior “C” hockey teams in Ontario but only the only the Picton Pirates and the Essex 73s are still playing.
The 73s hail from the Great Lakes Junior C Hockey League and represent the town of Essex. The Pirates from the Empire B Junior C Hockey League are the pride and joy of Prince Edward County. Both clubs are eager to hoist one of the country’s toughest Junior trophies to win in the Schmalz Cup.
The Ontario Hockey Association reports the 73s head into this series with just one loss in their entire post season run. “A tough team who has a real taste for winning, the boys from Essex will certainly cause problems for the opposition in this best of seven series,” The OHA says.
The Pirates boast an incredible amount of scoring talent. Leading the club in points throughout the Schmalz Cup has been forward Evan Greer (8 goals, 10 assists) who has been a staple for the club this season. Both forwards Jack Davison (5 goals, 10 assists) and Ryan Sizer (7 goals, 7 assists) will certainly help with secondary scoring when given the ice time.
On the blue line, you can bet that Pirates coaching staff will be throwing out defenseman Brandon Peever (6 assists) as much as they can. The fourth year Pirate seems poised to take his team to the top this season.
In between the pipes, look for Andrew Pearson (7 wins, 1 loss) to get the start.
The Schmalz Cup was named in honour of Clarence (Tubby) Schmalz (1915-1981). The OHA presented Schmalz with a Gold Stick award in 1977 in recognition of his contributions to the association. In 1979 he received a meritorious service award from the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association (now known as Hockey Canada). He died suddenly of a heart attack 12 days before his 65th birthday.
Game time is 7:30 at the Prince Edward Community Centre. Game 2 is also in Picton tomorrow afternoon at 4:30.
Schmalz Cup finals schedule:
G1 – @PICTON Sat/April 20th at 7:30pm – WIN! 4-1
G2 – @PICTON Sun/April 21st at 4:30pm – LOSS 3-2
G3 – @ESSEX Sat/April 27th at 7:00pm
G4 – @ESSEX Sun/April 28th at 4:30pm
G5 – @PICTON Wed/May 1st at 7:30pm
G6 – @ESSEX Fri/May 3rd at 7:00pm
G7 – @PICTON Sun/May 5th at 7:30pm
Filed Under: Local News • Sports & Recreation
Agreed Richard. This is a huge experience for the Pirates and our community. They have represented well. There were 63 Junior C teams in the province and now there are two!
Go Pirates Go!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good luck to The Picton Pirates in their series with The Essex ’73’s. Give it your best,every shift!