The Innisfil Lakers ceded the Greater Metro Hockey League Junior A Championship title to the Bradford Rattlers Wednesday night in the fourth game of the series 5-3, but like everything else in their fledgling season, their motto appears to be ‘Never say Die.’
Coming into the series, they were the only team to give the Rattlers a run for their money but couldn’t match the skill of the reigning champions in the finals. They lost the first three games, 4-2, 8-4, and 10-3 and teams with less heart might have rolled over, but giving up isn’t in the Lakers vocabulary.
The teams played an evenly matched first period Wednesday, with near identical number of shots on net, but it was the Rattlers who ended the period up by a single goal, sneaking one past Lakers goalie Matt Treadwell.
The tide changed during the second period, with the Rattlers adding two to the score but as they’ve demonstrated all season, when the going gets tough the Lakers dig in. With a minute left in the period, Richard Blais scored, assisted by Anthony Gamborcata.
The tide appeared to have changed again going into the third when Garrett Nikkanen and Ralph Naval (assist) found the net two minutes in, but the Rattlers answered with a break away goal a minute later.
The Lakers outshot the Rattlers in the third period but couldn’t close the deal. A second break away goal put Bradford up 5-2.
Lesser teams might have packed it in, but once again the Lakers showed what they’re made of, and with 38 seconds to go, Robert Ward scored the final goal to end it 5-3.
“These guys worked their butts off. They didn’t give up,” said coach Todd Miller after the game.
As a first-year team he never expected to make it to the final series but credits the players with the accomplishment. His only frustration was losing four straight, but he was by no means disappointed. “You can’t get mad, especially when they’ve faced so much adversity this year.”
While they may not have taken home the title, there was no lack of awards for the team, taking home three of the nine player awards.
Centre Jonathan Dew won the Marshall Uretsky Most Valuable Player award for the entire league. Described earlier in the season by Miller as ‘the epitome of what you want in a hockey player,’ he wasn’t the only one who noticed. All thirteen owners and coaches voted on the awards.
“I give it my all,” said Dew, who knew he was being considered for the award but was surprised to receive it. “I play until I can’t move.”
Sixteen year old Phil Grainger, who won the Dan Garneau Award for Best Rookie born in 1991 & 1992, said he was ‘very happy’ to be taking home the honour. He credits the other players on his line, Dew and Swede Anton Holm, for helping him win the award.
“Having good players beside you really helps,” he said.
The third award to complete the hat trick went to Connor Hendry for the Naz Marchese Award for Best Defensive Forward.
General Manager Dan Garneau is already planning ahead. Thirteen of the 25 players are returning, including their top two lines.
“Next year we’ll give them a better run for their money.”
Today's Weather 
Clear and 26°C
Clear and 26°C
