Majors Present the Fans' Top Ten

Published on April 2, 2008 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Mississauga St. Michael's Majors News Release


Mississauga, ON - Now that the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors season has come to a close, the organization would like to recognize the integral role that their fans played in helping ease their transition to a new city and make 2007-08 an amazing campaign. As a result, they've decided to put together a "Fans' Top Ten" list from this past season. These will be provided, in chronological order, over the new few weeks. Here's magical moment number two...

The Majors kept their fans waiting in anticipation for their inaugural home-opener, starting off the 2007-08 season with three straight road games. And, they certainly had even the most ardent supporters a little bit worried as they lost all of those contests, including a pair in St. Catharines against the IceDogs.

However, there was optimism in the air as the Majors welcomed the undefeated Windsor Spitfires to the Hershey Centre on Friday, October 5. A boisterous crowd of 2,570 jammed into the building and provided loud vocal support right from the get-go. They were treated to a spectacular laser show and pyrotechnics display as the players were introduced. Then, Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion and Majors owner Eugene Melnyk kicked off a new era in OHL hockey in this city when they performed the ceremonial puck drop.

Unfortunately, Windsor got the early jump, outshooting the Majors 19-12 in the opening frame and building up a 2-0 lead early into the 2nd period. However, Zac Rinaldo got the Majors on the board shortly thereafter when he collected his first career goal and the inaugural tally for the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors franchise.

The clubs then traded goals during the remainder of the period with the Spitfires leading 4-2 heading into the final frame. All seemed lost until Kris Sparre found the back of the net with 5:16 to play and got the Majors to within a goal. Then, with only 45 seconds left in regulation, and netminder Chris Carrozzi pulled in favour of an extra attacker, Casey Cizikas spun and fired a shot from the half-boards that was deflected past Spitifires goalie Andrew Engelage by Mike Pelech, knotting up the affair.

The Majors continued their onslaught in overtime but couldn't get the puck past Engelage. However, they shone in the shootout as Carrozzi turned aside Bradley Snetsinger and Josh Bailey and Matt Caria and Matt Piva came through for the Majors to bring home the win. The Hershey Centre roof felt like it was going to cave in as the crowd roared their approval and the Majors players thanked them with a stick salute.

The St. Mike's Majors officially had a new home!

Thanks again fans for your support during the 2007-08 season! Stay tuned to www.stmichaelsmajors.com throughout the summer for team updates, including forthcoming details regarding the club's year-end banquet in May.

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from April 2, 2008


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