JCVH60

Friday 25 May 2012

KNIGHTS EYE THE CUP

MEMORIAL CUP - Semi-final. Shawinigan Cataractes 7 Saint John Seadogs 4

It will be the London Knights against the host Shawinigan Cataractes for the 2012 Memorial Cup. The Cataractes beat the defending Memorial Cup champion Saint John Seadogs 6-4 in an exciting semi-final on Friday night.

The Centre Bionest in Shawinigan has to be one of the most fun atmosphere's in junior hockey in Canada. The Saint John Seadogs came out strong against the hometown Cataractes. But after scoring the first goal by Zack Phillips at 4:29 of the first - the crowd seemed to lift them back into the game.

The second period belonged to Shawinigan as they outshot Saint John 17-7. Goals by Loik Poudrier and Michael Chaput 1:15 apart gave Shawinigan a 4-2 lead and sent the crowd into a frenzy.

A shorthanded goal by Jonathan Huberdeau from 10 feet behind the red line stopped the Shawinigan momentum and made it 4-3 for the Cataractes going into the third period. It was Huberdeau's second long shorthanded goal of the tournament. The long shot goal seemed to take some of the energy out of the Cataractes who were playing their third in three nights.

The third period settled into a tight, physical game. When Tomas Jurco of Saint John scored to tie the game at 4-4 it looked like the defending champs regained their composure.

The stubborn Cataractes recovered and a deflected goal by Yannick Veilleux gave Shawinigan a 5-4 lead. Michael Chaput added an empty net goal to send the host team fans into another party level.

NOTEBOOK - The Centre Bionest sells poutine and smoked meat sandwiches at the concession stands. A good idea. A very good idea.

The fans here are not shy about chanting the Atlanta Braves native song. Mascots and fans regularly dress in Native costumes.

The "Go Cats Go.." chant during a Sportsnet timeout with 5:54 remaining was ear-splitting. Shawinigan had just taken a 5-4 lead.

PHOTOS