Deloraine Royals reign supreme in THHL

Details

Published on Sunday, March 29, 2015

All photos by Eoin Devereux

By Eoin Devereux

The Neepawa Banner

For the second straight year, the Deloraine Royals are Tiger Hills Hockey League champions, as the team upended the Gladstone Lakers in the fifth and deciding game of the best of five final 4-3.

Despite having to wait an extra hour for opening faceoff, due to some ice issues at the Gladstone and District Community Arena, the Royals were still able to get off to a quick start, taking a 3-1 lead after 20 minutes. 

The Lakers would keep the pressure on Deloraine throughout the game, outshooting the visitors by a 45-16 margin. Royals goaltender Cody Matthewson made some timely stops to keep the lead. Deloraine coach Mike Vanrobaeys said Matthewson came up big throughout the series. He also noted that entire team worked hard to earn the victory and also credited Gladstone for being a tough competitor,

"It's been a long year. We struggled through the start of the year, but the guys brought it together at the end," said Vanrobaeys. "[Gladstone] is a great team. They put it together this year to try and take it from us. They are an excellent team. They played well."

Additional game details will be in the April 3rd edition of the Neepawa Banner.