Hamilton Gains Victory Over McCoys In Overtime
Photo: Paul Wright
Sunday night’s final game of the opening round of the 2023 Robertson Cup playoffs could go down as the game of the year as the Hamilton Steelers defeated the Dundas Real McCoys 6-5 in overtime. With the win, Hamilton advances to the Robertson Cup Finals against the McCoys as well as both teams qualifying for the 2023 Allan Cup Challenge tournament April 17 to 22 in Dundas.
Jordan Gignac opened the scoring for Hamilton at 3:04 of the first period. Minutes later Cam Fergus evened the score at one, but it was Cam Sault that sent the teams to the dressing room with the Steelers holding a 2-1 lead.
It didn’t take long for Hamilton to add to their lead in the second as Andrew Whalen score 74 seconds in to go up by two. The Steelers then got a goal from Michael Ruberto at 13:33, giving them a nice cushion, but the McCoys’ Rob Hisey would pick up back-to-back goals 35 seconds apart in the final minute of the period to bring Dundas within a goal heading to the third.
In the third period, Dustin Alcock scored, his third of the postseason, on the power play at 4:33 to even up the score at four. Hamilton and Dundas battled throughout the period, peppering the netminders with a total of 31 shots and saw back and forth action. Michael Riley would break the deadlock with 8:42 left in regulation. However, Dundas would take advantage of a four-minute high-sticking penalty to Hamilton with Paul Cianfrini tying the game at 15:53 and sending the game to overtime.
Both teams came out flying in overtime with multiple chances to end it, but Whalen would score his second of the night after stealing the puck from the McCoys’ defensemen and going short side.
If this is an indication of what we are to expect in the Robertson Cup Finals between these teams then the ACH fans will truly be the winners.
Dates and times for the 2023 Robertson Cup Finals will be announced in the coming days.
Boxscore: http://stats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=3622273
ALLAN CUP SR. HOCKEY TOURNAMENT
The Ontario Hockey Association has announced that the Dundas Real McCoys will play host to the four-team 2023 Allan Cup Senior AAA Hockey Challenge Tournament at the J L Grightmire Arena. Teams participating along with Dundas in the tournament include the Hamilton Steelers (ACH), Innisfail Eagles (Alberta) and a team to be announced.
On Monday and Tuesday of Allan Cup week, there will be two games at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday there will be a game each day at 7:30 p.m. The time for the Saturday Championship game will be announced soon.
The McCoys and their executive hope that everyone can help them to celebrate the event. Volunteers are always appreciated. Please let them know if you are interested in participating.
For more information contact Allan Cup Hockey Commissioner Rick Richardson at 905-328-4727 or email: rickystar911@outlook.com
