DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard
A hard-fought series between two fierce rivals came to an end Monday night at the Bear Den, as the Port Perry Lumberjacks edged the Uxbridge Bruins 2-1 in Game 7 of their Provincial Junior Hockey League Orr Division quarterfinal series. With the win, the Lumberjacks claimed a 4-3 series victory in the Battle of North Durham.
The series was a back-and-forth war between the two longtime rivals, with momentum shifting dramatically.Tanner Ryan opened the scoring for Uxbridge in Game 5 on Wednesday, Feb. 26 in Port Perry, and the Bruins never looked back, maintaining control throughout the game. Ayden Burt, Darin Bain, Nolan Winter, and Evan Gilbert also found the back of the net. At the final buzzer, the Bruins won by a score of 5-3, with another sparkling performance in net by Uxbridge’s Robby DiMaria. Parker Lemay and Braedyn Vannetten scored for Port Perry in a losing effort.
Liam Peterson started the scoring early in Game 5 at the Bear Den on Friday night, and Uxbridge took a 3-1 lead into the third period before Port Perry roared back with two power-play goals. In overtime, Jack Kemp played the hero, scoring just 1:22 into the extra frame.With the series on the line in Game 6, the Lumberjacks forced Game 7 in dramatic fashion at Scugog Arena on Sunday afternoon. Uxbridge held a third-period lead after goals from Ayden Burt and Tanner Ryan, but Port Perry’s Cameron Marshall scored the winning goal with just 43 seconds left in regulation.With a packed house at the Bear Den, the Bruins put up a valiant fight, but Kalm’s two goals were enough to push Port Perry to victory.
The deciding game featured tight checking, strong goaltending, and a dramatic late-game incident. Uxbridge struck first early in the second period when Darin Bain capitalized on a power play at 3:55, assisted by Colin Glecoff and Luke Kemp. Port Perry responded quickly, with Johannes Kalm tying the game just 36 seconds later, assisted by Charlie Paton. Kalm netted the game-winning goal unassisted at 8:24 of the third period, completing his standout series performance.
A tense moment halted play late in the third period when Uxbridge defenseman Jordan Bonner suffered a medical emergency after a heavy hit. Paramedics attended to him on the ice before he was taken to hospital. Fortunately, he was discharged early Tuesday morning and is now resting at home.
Despite the heartbreak of elimination, Bruins General Manager Trevor Cox saw positives in the season. "It was a learning year for me for sure. The first thing I wanted to accomplish as a GM was to start to build our culture and our credibility around the league and within the community. I feel that I accomplished that, and it shows in our on-ice success in the second half of the season. If you want success on the ice, it starts in the dressing room and behind the scenes."
The Lumberjacks now advance to the Orr Division semifinals, against the Clarington Eagles, with the Georgina Ice and Schomberg Cougars squaring off in the other semifinal series.
The Bruins have already set their sights on continued growth next season. With a promising young core and a determined front office, Uxbridge looks poised to be a contender in the years to come.
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