MANN UP!!!

It took 6 games and a thrilling last minute goal, but the Excelsiors successfully defended their MSL title against the Peterborough Lakers.

After taking games 1 (8-1) and 2 (14-11) and dominating the 1st period in Peterborough in game 3 a power failure threw a wrench into the plans. The team had to travel home Thursday night and return on Friday to complete the game. The game did not go as well with the Excelsiors short Brodie Merrill and having a lot of travel (6-9). The Excelsiors took a quiet bus home on Friday night and returned on Sunday with a new focus that led to 14-9 victory and a 3-1 series lead. Brampton was unable to capitalize at home Monday night (5-9) despite another early lead as Peterborough fought for their playoff lives and forced another game in Peterborough. Brampton held an 8-6 lead entering the final period. Peterborough continued to apply pressure both offensively and with great goaltending and tied the game up with just over 2 minutes to go, but with 55 seconds remaining, Colin Doyle found Brodie Merrill driving the right side and Merrill blasted one low to secure the victory (9-8) and the championship.

The team will be honoured prior to the start of game 2 of the Minto Cup in Brampton on Saturday night.

The Excelsiors will now travel to New Westminster to defend the Mann against the team that they swept to earn the title last year. This is not going to be the same story as last year though as New West has really hit their stride as of late, and get to play in their home barn. The Mann cup will be broadcast by pay-per-view or for anyone interested there is a fan rate set-up at the hotel in Vancouver. Contact Tomm Brannon at be-lax@hotmail.com if you have any questions.