For the first time in the 10-year history of the Greater Metro Jr. A Hockey League franchise, the Northumberland Stars are fighting for the Russell Cup after previously claiming the South Division championship. /GMHL website photo
For the first time ever, the Northumberland Stars based out of Colborne have the lead in the Greater Metro Jr. A Hockey League Russell Cup championship.
After two wild wins at home at the Keeler Centre over the Wasaga River Dragons this weekend, the Stars are gearing up to hit the road to continue their best of seven series Tuesday, March 24.
And this is on the heels of the team earlier winning the South Division championship against the Durham Roadrunners.
Stars’ play-by-play announcer Kevin Dean says the calibre of hockey so far has been “incredible.”
The top two teams in the league going at it has had fans pumped up – and there’s been some showstopping moments already so far in the series, including in Game 1, explains Dean.
Dean described Game 2 as “a defensive struggle,” but the Stars again netted the win 3-1.
Game 3 is now set for Tuesday, and Game 4 is Friday, and both will be played in Wasaga.
“This is the first time that Northumberland’s made it to the final,” says Dean.
And there’s no shortage of talent on this team, adds Dean.
“Like they’re worth the price of a mission watching those guys,” continues Dean. “Everybody’s enjoying the games – it’s a lot of fun.”
Meanwhile, 17-year-old goaltender Ivan Kremnev is also among the teammates making an impression.
In nearby news, the Junior A club has also announced plans for a new team for the area: The Brighton Vikings. The team is supposed to be based out of the King Edward Park Arena starting next season. (MBC will have more to come on this story.)
If you’re looking to catch up with the Stars but can’t physically make the games, Dean also notes people can tune in via GMHL TV.
“You’ve got kids (and) young men from all over the world coming to play in this league.”
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
