Oakville Ontario — After winning the opening tournament of the OCCCR season, the Sharks men’s hockey team travelled to Oakville on Tuesday November 11th for the Sheridan College Invitational, looking to repeat their early success.
Game One vs. Sheridan College – 8:30am
Things got off to a great start for the Sharks, defeating the host Sheridan Bruins by a score of 6-1, in the opening game of the tournament. With just a 1-0 lead after the first period, the Sharks were able to score two more goals in each remaining period for the 6-1 victory.
Sharks goals came from Justin Rutley, Kevin Veilleux (2), Brandon Gilmour, Mitch Lefebvre, and Larson Payette.
Game Two vs. Trent University – 9:45am
With the game tied at zero after regulation, the teams went to a shootout to determine the winner. The Trent University Excalibur club team was able to end the nine player shootout, defeating the Sharks 1-0.
The Sharks had great chances offensively, but the Trent goalie played a great came and kept the Sharks off the scoreboard.
With the win and shootout loss, the Sharks finished 3rd after the round robin and advanced to the quarterfinals against McMaster University.
Quarter-Finals vs. McMaster University – 12:45am
After Veilleux scored his third goal of the tournament to put Sharks up 1-0 against the club team from McMaster, Justin Rutley scored his second and third goals of the invitational in the third period, one of which being shorthanded.
Eric Evans added another goal for the 4-0 victory, advancing the Sharks to the Semi-finals. Ryan Cooper earned his second shutout of the season.
Semi-Finals vs. Seneca College – 2:00pm
Gilmour would open the scoring in the final minute of the first period, which opened the flood gates for SLC-Cornwall was they added three more goals, coming from Gilmour (2), Rutley, and Evans.
Ryan Cooper played another great game in net, earning his second straight shutout for the Sharks, and third of the season.
Finals vs. Conestoga College – 3:30pm
Kevin Veilleux notched his fourth goal of the tournament to tie the game, but the Conestoga Condors quickly responded to take a 2-1 lead after the second period.
Christian Leger scored to once again tie the game at two, roughly half way through the third period. With neither team scoring, the game went to overtime where the Sharks were penalized and went one man down for two minutes.
Conestoga took full advantage and scored the tournament championship goal in overtime.
“Tough way to end the gold medal game” said co-head coach, Sean Boulerice.
“Proud of how the boys came back twice to force overtime. We were not outplayed by any means.”
“We played five games in eight hours. They (Conestoga) earned the bye so only had to play four, but I think we out played them.”
“Getting a gold and silver medal before the Christmas break is a terrific start to the year. We have achieved some good power ranking points, which sets us up nice going into the winter semester.”
The Sharks are off for the winter break, and will play in the SLC-Brockville Invitational January 9th.