The Soo Greyhounds officially concluded their regular season schedule on Sunday evening as they battled the London Knights, considered by most to be the top team in Canadian junior hockey.
The Knights, who entered the game with a 59-6-2-0 record, sat out a number of their stars, including the likes of Corey Perry, Dan Fritsche and David Bolland, in order to rest for the playoffs.
The ones who did suit up, like Rob Schremp and Danny Syvret, did not see a whole lot of action in the game as Knights coach Dale Hunter rested them for the playoffs as well.
When all was said and done, the Greyhounds came away from the game with a 4-2 victory over the Knights to finish the regular season with a 33-25-9-1 record, good for 76 points and the second seed heading into the Ontario Hockey League playoffs.
The Hounds fell behind at 7:03 when Adam Perry caused a turnover by Kyle Wharton in the Hounds zone and converted the turnover past Jakub Cech in the Hounds goal.
Just over four minutes later though, the Hounds got the game back on even terms when Tyson Aitcheson scored on a point shot after Tyler Kennedy won an offensive zone faceoff back to the Hounds blueliner.
Blair Jarrett then put the Hounds ahead at 16:32 when he broke in on a two-on-one with Jason Pitton. Pitton fed a perfect pass to the overage forward for the goal.
Brody Todd gave the Hounds a 3-1 lead just 32 seconds into the second period as the overage forward benefited from a turnover caused by Andrew Gibbons. Gibbons fired a shot from the Knights blueline that Knights goaltender could not completely control and Todd poked the loose puck into the goal.
Kyle Wharton, making up for his miscue in the opening period, scored at 11:45 assisted by Gibbons to give the Hounds a 4-1 lead over the Knights heading into the third period.
In the third, Robbie Drummond scored a late goal to pull the Knights to within two but the goal was not enough as the Hounds held on for the victory.
Hounds coach Craig Hartsburg commented following the game on the Wharton turnover that led to the first goal.
"He wasn't ready to play," Hartsburg said of the veteran. "It was a lack of intensity (that led up to it). To his credit, in the second and third periods he played better.
"It is tough for both teams (because it ultimately means nothing). I thought we tried to stay within our system. You try to get through the game without any injuries. We wanted to end on a positive note, but we better be ready to compete next week."
The coach also said that he was pleased with the play of fourth line wingers Matt Leszczynski and Brandon MacLean.
"(For Leszczynski) it's been a struggle this season," Hartsburg said of the 17-year-old. "He wants to do well and he's really played some good games down the stretch. (Leszczynski and MacLean) really work."
Prior to the game, the Greyhounds honored Gino Cavallo for his years of service to the Greyhounds. Cavallo left his post as Director of Communications and Public Relations in late February, but has stayed on as the "Voice of the Hounds" and will do so until season's end. Cavallo has been with the team for 15 years.
The Hounds now prepare for their first round playoff series with the Windsor Spitfires. Game 1 goes on Friday night at Memorial Gardens at 7:30. The entire schedule is as follows:
Game 1 - Fri. March 25 at Sault Ste. Marie, 7:30 Game 2 - Sat. March 26 at Sault Ste. Marie, 7:30 Game 3 - Wed. March 30 at Windsor, 7:30 Game 4 - Thurs. March 31 at Windsor, 7:30 Game 5 - Sat. April 2 at Sault Ste. Marie, 7:30 * Game 6 - Sun. April 3 at Windsor, 6:00 * Game 7 - Tues. April 5 at Sault Ste. Marie, 7:00 *
(* = if necessary)
*** AROUND THE O:
* Jordan Staal had a goal and an assist as Peterborough defeated Brampton 4-1. Mark Flood added a pair of assists in the victory.
* Chris Hulit, Mark Mancari and Julian Talbot each had a goal and a pair of assists as Ottawa won a 6-4 decision over Kingston. Brad Bonello had three assists for Ottawa while Justin Wallingford had a pair of assists in a losing cause for Kingston.
* Travis Fuller and former Greyhound Rob Hisey each scored once to go along with two assists each as Barrie scored a 5-3 decision over Toronto St. Michael's. Former Greyhound Jeff Larsh had a goal and an assist in a losing cause.
* Brad Efthimiou had a hat-trick and Chad Painchaud had three assists as Sarnia defeated Guelph 3-1. Ryan Munce stopped 40 shots in goal for Sarnia.
* Peter Tsimikalis had a pair of goals and an assist while Adam Berti scored twice in Oshawa's 8-6 victory over Belleville. The Generals had leads of 2-0, 5-3 and 6-5 before pulling away for good, in the third. John Neal, Bret Nasby and Brandon McBride all had a pair of assists while Luke Carson, Gary Freisen, Mike Kavanagh and former Hound Matt Puntureri all had a goal and an assist in the win. Cody Thornton had three assists while John Hughes had two goals and an assist in the loss.
* A Marc Staal power play goal in the second period held up to be the winner as Sudbury beat Mississauga 2-1. Patrick Ehelechner stopped 40 shots for the victory in goal.