Most, but not all playoff series or games begin with a ceremonial face-off but this year the Mann Cup chose to have this face off prior to game five between New Westminster Salmonbellies as they play host to the Peterborough Lakers.
Not sure why, but it is what it is and given all the dignitaries that should be on hand, they better be aware of where they are standing if game four was any indication.
Most ceremonial face-offs are just a “give me” as to who will win and most, but apparently not all players are sportsman when it comes to this taking place.
The second straight game saw a pre-game ceremony (game four) but this one never happened, but words were exchanged by players on both sides.
The “Bellies” frustrated with the fact that Peterborough Century 21 Lakers Captain Robert Hope tried to be the focal point of by winning the draw away from New Westminster captain Curtis Hodgson.
Classless act or not, it’s something that should not happen, but realistically it’s not against the rules for any league from amateur to pro.
Hope mentioned “It’s funny cause I did hear from a veteran coach during Game 3 who maintained New Westminster wasn’t going to be impressed with what happened in that evening’s pre-game festivities.
Peterborough even’s the series managing to pull off a 9-7 victory in game four and as strong as the “Bellies” are everyone knew that peterborough got here by strong play and overtaking Six Nations in the championship round.
The Lakers got the first marker at 1:55 in for the second straight game with Dickson setting up Turner Evans, but it was at the 3:46 mark of the period that the Lakers suffered a huge loss.
MLS leading goal scorer Holden Cattoni was ejected for illegal equipment leaving the Lakers a man short and you have to ask yourself why any player would have illegal equipment for not just any game, but a championship game.
He was caught wearing a necklace and with most sports, but not all; jewelry is not permitted strictly for safety reasons,
When asked by his Coaches why he wore it, he simply mentioned that he has worn it for the past five years without being penalized or called on it.
In his defense, I can see his point of view as that is one area for officials that is mentioned once and given that it’s not a flagrant infraction it’s easy for officials to overlook.
Shawn Evans goal at 4:37 of the period was somewhat of a milestone goal as it was his 122nd Mann Cup point moving him one ahead of his older brother Scott getting him in fifth in all-time series scoring.
The Lakers never questioned starter Evan Kirk and play as he can he was exceptional after being yanked after allowing six goals on 12 shots in Game 2.
The Lakers struck first for the second straight game as Dickson set up Turner Evans 1:55 into the game.
The Lakers suffered a huge loss when leading MSL goal scorer Holden Cattoni was ejected at 3:46 for Illegal Equipment leaving the Lakers a man short.
He was caught wearing a necklace, jewelry is not allowed for safety reasons, but he told coaches he’s worn it for five years without being penalized.”
Shawn Evans added to the lead with a milestone goal on a quick transition started by Mark Steenhuis and Currier at 4:37.
It was his 122nd Mann Cup point moving him one past older brother Scott into fifth in all-time series scoring.
The series now reverts to the best of three with games being played Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, with Thursday being an off day.
