Blast and Real McCoy’s Back To Work With Games 3 & 4 This Weekend

The Brantford Blast and Dundas Real McCoy’s will continue to battle it out for the ACH Championship trophy – the Robertson Cup, with two games this weekend. The team will first travel to Dundas for Game Three at JL Grightmire Arena at 7:30 tomorrow night, before heading back home for a big home game for Game Four on Sunday Afternoon at 2:00 PM at the Brantford Civic Centre.

The series is currently tied at one win each, with both teams winning their respective games on the road. The Blast opened the series with a 5-3 victory in Dundas last Friday, scoring four unanswered goals to earn the win. Dundas won this past Sunday in Brantford with a 4-3 victory over the home team.

Leading the way offensively in the series for the Blast have been their most effective line of Chris Rebernik-Cam Sault-Chris Leveille. The trio dubbed “C-Cubed” has combined for 12 points in the first two games of the series (Sault – 5 points, Leveille – 4 points, Rebernik – 3 points). Dundas has had an even spread of scoring with several players having two points in the series (Simon Mangos, Nick Smith, Cam Watson, Jason Ward, Greg Stewart and Jerry Galway).

The two teams have combined for 58 penalty minutes in the first two games, with Dundas receiving 38 PIM and the Blast receiving 20 PIM. Dundas has the lead in Special Team percentages with a 33.3% success rate on the power play (2 out of 6 chances) and an 86.7% success rate on the penalty kill (killed off 13 of 15 penalties). Meanwhile the Blast have had success of 13.3% with the man advantage, and 66.6% (killed off 4 of 6) while on the penalty kill.

The series has lived up to the hype that was created when the Blast beat Whitby to move onto the Finals. The teams are very closely matched and had a very even season series. This continues to be the case for this Robertson Cup Final, with crucial Games 3 and 4 coming up this weekend.  

Blast Rally Comes Up Just Short in 4-3 Game Two Loss to Dundas in the ACH Finals

 

BRANTFORD – March 24, 2014 – Entering Sunday afternoon’s Game Two matchup against Dundas, the Blast were looking to accomplish something that hadn’t been done since the year the Blast won the Allan Cup in 2008 – win the first two games of a series. They didn’t get their wish, as their rally came up short in a 4-3 loss. With the win, Dundas ties the best-of-seven Robertson Cup Final series 1-1.

The Blast came out flying in the first period and were able to capitalize early. Chris Rebernik, Cam Sault and Chris Leveille continue their hot streak all figuring in on the first Blast goal. Chris Rebernik scoredhis 4^th of the playoffs in the slot on Dundas goaltender Darren Machesney only 0:39 seconds into the game to give the Blast a 1-0 lead early. The Blast continue to control majority of the play before Ryan Healy took a penalty for cross checking at 8:27. It only took Dundas 0:32 seconds to score on the power play as Cam Watson scored his 5^th goal of the playoffs, with assists to Jerry Galway and Jason Ward.

The Blast’s hard work paid off at the 14:32 mark of the first as Jeff Caister scored his first Blast playoff goal to put the home team up 2-1. That would conclude the scoring in the first period. The Blast outshot Dundas 12-11 after twenty minutes of play.

The second period tides changed completely. Dundas dominated the second period and three Blast mistakes lead to three Dundas goals, all in the slot. Ryan Crane got the scoring starting for Dundas with his first of the playoffs roughly half way through at 9:42. Greg Stewart would then throw the team on his back, scoring the next two goals in a span of 1:55 to put Dundas up 4-2. The shots also painted the picture of the Real McCoy’s dominance in the second period, as they outshot the Blast 14-8, for a total of 25-20 for Dundas after two periods.

The Blast received a glimmer of hope early in the third period as they pulled within one to make it 4-3. Joel Prpic tipped a Kyle Spurr point shot for his 7^th goal of the playoffs but that would be as close as the Blast would get. The team had plenty of chances to tie the game for the remainder of the third but missed out on some key power play opportunities and fell short. Overall Dundas went 1/3 on the power play, while the Blast’s power play potentially hurt their chances of winning the game as they went 0/7.

The series now sways back to Dundas for Game Three this upcoming Friday night at 7:30 before heading back to Brantford this Sunday at 2:00 PM for Game Four. Game Five will be played on Friday April 4^th at 7:30 in Dundas, and if necessary Game Six will be Sunday April 6^th in Brantford at 2:00 PM and Game 7 will be Monday April 7^th at 7:30 PM in Dundas. 

Blast Look To Take 2-0 Series Lead over Dundas in Sunday Afternoon Game

BRANTFORD, Mar 23, 2014 – Entering today’s afternoon game in Brantford, the Blast will look to accomplish something that hasn’t happened for the team since the year they won the Allan Cup in 2008 – jump to a 2-0 series lead. The last time the Blast accomplished this was in the first round of the 2008 Semi Final playoffs against the Windsor St.Clair Saints. With a 1-0 lead over Dundas, the team will look to do just that this afternoon.

The Blast are fresh off a big come-from-behind 5-3 victory over the Real McCoy’s on Friday in Dundas. The team trailed 2-0 after the first and 3-1 only five minutes into the second, on route to scoring four second period goals and adding another 0:21 seconds into the final frame for a 5-3 win.

The Blast line of Sault-Rebernik-Leveille was the best line for the team, but overall it was a great team effort that allowed the Blast to stay composed and mount the comeback (and keep the lead). The Sault line combined for nine points (3 goals, 6 assists) in the victory over Dundas and were hard to stop all night, firing on all cylinders.

The series, although it’s only been one game so far, has lived up to the bill that was expected when the Blast beat Whitby to move onto the Finals vs. Dundas. The teams were back and forth all game in Dundas on Friday night and as expected, both goaltenders made several huge saves to keep their respective team in the game. There was always the constant element of the Brantford/Dundas Rivalry which is a little bit of the “rough stuff”. The teams only combined for 30 PIM (10 for the Blast and 20 for Dundas), but after every whistle there was pushing and shoving. Expect more of this in Game Two and the remainder of the series. Whenever the Blast and Real McCoy’s meet it’s sure to be an exciting matchup. The Blast went 2/8 on the power play in the game, while Dundas went 1/3.

Goaltenders are expected to be the same for Game Two as they were for the Finals opener. Brett Leggat should start for the Blast, while Mike Mole will likely be seen between the pipes for the Real McCoy’s. On the Blast side of the roster, the roster will pretty much remain intact to Friday night’s game. Andrew Lackner is currently sitting out the second of his two game suspension for fighting in the final ten minutes of Game Six against Whitby.

Fans are encouraged to continue taking Selfies at the game and posting them on our Facebook, and Twitter/Instagram pages (by mentioning @BrantfordBlast). The Top 10 will be posted on Facebook for all fans to see and enjoy. There’s also a chance that your selfie could be featured in our Thursday Expositor ad.

Doors open at 1:00 PM and puck drop is at 2:00 PM for Game Two. After this game is done, the teams are idle until next Friday when they play at 7:30 in Dundas for Game Three, and again back home next Sunday the 30^th at 2:00 PM for Game Four. 

Blast Score Four Unanswered Goals To Capture Game One 5-3 over Dundas

The Blast and Real McCoy’s sure lived up to the hype of this series but after all was said and done after 60 minutes, Brantford emerged with a 5-3 win. The win gave the Blast a 1-0 lead in the best of seven series.

Neither team gained more than a two-goal lead, and Third Star Chad Spurr’s goal in the second period proved to be the difference maker. The Blast were able to score four straight goals after falling behind 3-1 five minutes into the second period.

Brantford got the win with help from a great game by Cam Sault, who had two goals and two assists. Sault was named the First Star of the game for his effort. Sault scored the first of his two goals at 16:58 into the second period to make the score 3-3. Chris Rebernik picked up the assist. Sault’s next tally made the score 5-3 Brantford with 19:39 left in the third period. Chris Leveille assisted on the tally.

Dundas was unable to stop the Blast’s offensive charge, and Brantford eventually piled up 35 shots on goal, making Dundas goaltender Mike Mole work hard.

Brantford additionally got points from Second Star Chris Leveille, who also had one goal and two assists. Brantford also got a goal from Joel Prpic as well. More assists for Brantford came via Jamie Williams and Jon Jankus, who each chipped in one.

The Real McCoys’ offense rang up 33 shots on the Blast’s net.

Dundas was helped by Jason Ward, who grabbed one goal. Ward scored on the power play 19:41 into the first period to make the score 2-0 Dundas. The Real McCoys had taken the advantage when Brantford’s Ryan Tocher got sent off for cross checking. Nick Smith provided the assist. Dundas also had goals scored by Cam Watson and Scott Stafford, who scored one goal each. In addition, Dundas received assists from Simon Mangos, who had two and Matthew Smith and Jay McKee, who contributed one each.

Brett Leggat stopped 30 shots on goal for the Blast. Brantford incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. Mike Mole made 30 saves for Dundas on 35 shots. The Real McCoys incurred 20 minutes in penalty time with 10 minors.

The Blast are next in action this Sunday afternoon at 2:00 PM at the Civic Centre for Game Two of the ACH Finals. 

Blast and Real McCoy’s Renew Rivalary in Robertson Cup Battle Tonight in Dundas

With an Allan Cup berth already secured for the Blast after defeating the Whitby Dunlops in the first round and Dundas receiving a spot as the Allan Cup hosts, there’s still one step to go before the 106^th National Senior Championship begins on April 14^th. The Blast and Dundas Real McCoy’s will faceoff for the Robertson Cup as ACH League Champions. The Blast will try and defend their title for Game One beginning tomorrow night in Dundas at 7:30, before heading home on Sunday afternoon at 2:00 PM for a matinee at the Civic Centre for Game Two.

The Blast received a spot in the Final with an opening round 4-2 series win against the Whitby Dunlops, while Dundas swept the Stoney Creek Generals 4-0 to earn a spot in the League Final. That set the stage for the two biggest ACH Rivals to faceoff for the Robertson Cup.

The Blast and Real McCoy’s faced off eight times throughout the regular season. Dundas narrowly led the season series with a record of 4-2-0-2 for 10 points, while the Blast went 4-3-0-1 for 9 points. The Blast went 2/42 on the power play for a 4.7% success rate, while Dundas went 7/44 for a 15.9% success rate. The Blast killed off 36/44 Dundas power play opportunities (84.1% success rate), while Dundas killed off 40/42 Blast power play (95.3%). The Blast were led by Joel Prpic who had 6 points in the season series, and Dundas was led by Scott Mifsud who had 11.

The Brantford/Dundas series will feature the Top Eight Playoff scorers in the league. Led by Brantford’s Chad Spurr (3G 7A), Joel Prpic (5G 3A), Cam Sault (3G 4A), Chris Leveille (2G 5A), and Dundas’ Nick Smith (3G 7A), Darryl Smith (2G 8A), Scott Mifsud (4G 4A) and Cam Watson (3G 5A). This series will also feature the top two goaltenders from the regular season, Brantford’s Brett Leggat and Dundas’ Mike Mole. Blast Forward Joel Prpic (4^th) and Dundas forward Scott Mifsud (tied for 1^st) were also both in the top four players in points this season.

The Blast have a wealth of experience when it comes to pressure situations in this league. The team has six remaining players from their 2008 Allan Cup winning team, who are looking forward to have a chance to compete for their second Allan Cup in the last six years. Forwards Chad Spurr, Ryan Healy, and Bryan Hamm, defensemen Jeremy Bloomfield and Dave Russell and goaltender Anthony Marshall are the remaining six, dubbed the “Silver Six” remaining from that team.

The remainder of the best-of-seven Semi Final series is below:

Game Three: Friday March 28^th @ Dundas – 7:30 PM

Game Four: Sunday March 30^th @ Brantford – 2:00 PM

Game Five (If Necessary): Friday April 4^th @ Dundas – 7:30 PM

Game Six (If Necessary): Sunday April 6^th @ Brantford – 2:00 PM

Game Seven (If Necessary): Monday April 7^th @ Dundas – 7:30 PM

*All Brantford games at the Brantford Civic Centre, all Dundas games at JL Grightmire Arena

ACH Final and Allan Cup Berths On Line For Blast in Game Six

The Blast are one win away from achieving their season goal heading into the season, to earn a spot in the Allan Cup Championship in mid-April. The team currently leads the Whitby Dunlops 3-2 in the best-of-seven Semi Final series, with the winner of the series earning a spot into the ACH Final and an automatic berth in the Allan Cup.  Game Six on Friday will be the first potential elimination game of the series.

The Blast battled back from a 2-1 series deficit with two big wins last weekend, beating the Dunlops 2-0 at home on Friday and 3-2 in Overtime in Whitby on Saturday, where Blast forward Jamie Williams scored the OT winner. The Dunlops own the goals for advantage in the series, with a narrow 15-13 lead.

The Blast will have a special guest in attendance prior to the start of the game on Friday night. Miles Jankus, who has been nicknamed Baby Blast, will be joined by his mother Niki and father Chris to drop the puck. Miles won the first ever Blast Selfie Night contest, and part of the prize was a chance to drop the puck for Game Six. He also won a signed/framed 2012-2013 Blast Championship photo, a Blast jersey and a VIP Blast Playoff Pass.

The first-ever Selfie Night was such a huge success with many Blast fans having fun posting them all over social media. The Blast encourage fans to continue taking selfies at every game of them having a good time and enjoying the game. From now on each week there will be a Top 10 Selfies photo album posted on Facebook for all fans to see and enjoy.

The two teams have combined for 135 minutes in penalties in the five games, with Whitby sitting 68 and the Blast sitting 67 minutes. The Blast have gone 2/27 on the power play (7.4% success rate) and have killed off 22/27 Whitby power plays (81.5%) Whitby has gone 5/27 on the power play (18.5%) and killed off 25/27 power plays (92.6%).