Majors Take Game One

March 24, 2011 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Mississauga St. Michael's Majors News Release


Mississauga, ON - The Mississauga St. Michael's Majors began their 2011 playoff run this evening at the Hershey Centre against the Belleville Bulls. The Majors played a strong defensive game tonight, and put some points on the board as well, defeating the Bulls 4-1 to take a 1-0 series lead.

The first period began with lots of rough play and bodies flying, as each team tried to set the tone early for the series. After a huge hit by the Majors Chris DeSousa on the Bulls forward Carter Sandlak, a fight broke out between the two just two minutes into the series. Shortly after a holding penalty was issued to Steven Strong of the Bulls at 6:46 of the first period, and the Majors began to pour on the pressure on the powerplay. However goaltender Tyson Teischmann was on fire early stopping everything that came his way, highlighted by a sliding blocker save on Majors leading scorer Justin Shugg. Shugg was not to be denied however after a great give and go play with defenseman Michael D'Orazio, Shugg found himself in a similar position and tried the blocker side again, this time blowing an impressive snap shot passed Teichmann at 18:04. The Majors out shot the Bulls 12-7, and went into the dressing room with a 1-0 lead.

The second period did not start ideally for the Bulls. After a tripping penalty to Bjorn Krupp just 1:15 into the frame, the Majors took advantage and gave themselves a two goal lead with a power play goal by Rob Flick, who banged in a Jordan Mayer rebound. D'Orazio got his second assist of the night on the play. Just when it looked like the Majors were going to run away with the game, the Bulls bounced right back and pulled back within one goal at 4:13 of the second. Austen Brassard potted the goal with assists from Michael Curtis and Carter Sandlak. The Majors however didn't falter in their play, as they put the pressure back on the Bulls and at 12:34, Mika Partanen made a great one on one play around the Bulls defender, then reached around Tiechmann to tuck it in and restore the Majors two goal lead. Mayer and DeMelo got the assists. Near the end of the period the rough play from the first showed again as Brett Mackie and Corey Bureau dropped the gloves and exchanged blows until the refs stepped in. The Majors outshot the Bulls again on the period 11-4.

The third period saw the Majors go into shutdown mode, as they played the trap for most of the final frame. Riley Brace of the Majors took a two minute elbowing penalty just 3:22 into the third, but JP Anderson held his ground in net making a couple great saves on the powerplay. Anderson's best save of the night came later in the period. With about five minutes remaining, Krupp had a breakaway and tried to deke to his backhand but a poke check by Anderson sent the Majors streaking back the other way. After Mayer and Partanen crashed the net the puck came out to Maxim Kitsyn, who slid the puck into the yawning net. This put the Majors up by three at the 15:37 mark and officially put the game out of reach. The Bulls outshot the Majors 6-5 in the third period.

JP Anderson was in net for the Majors and made 17 saves on 18 shots. Tyson Teichmann made 23 saves on 27 shots, taking the loss for Belleville. The games three stars were Wise (3rd), Mayer (2nd) and D'Orazio first.

The series now shifts to Belleville for game two this Saturday night at 7:00 PM. Game three goes on Sunday back at Hershey, game time is 2:00 PM. Tickets are available through the Hershey Centre box office, ticketmaster.ca or by calling 905-502-7788 x. 1.

MasterCard Memorial Cup ticket packages are also available, starting at just $495.00 for the entire tournament, plus applicable taxes and fees. Call 905-502-7788 x. 1 to get yours today.



Ontario Hockey League Stories from March 24, 2011


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