SAULT STE. MARIE, ON - The story book finish for the underdog Trappers nearly became a reality in Sault Ste. Marie.
On the heels of Colton Point's heroic 107 save Triple OT performance by the North Bay Trappers in game 4 of the series on Sunday, the Trappers were looking to pull off another cinderella-like win against the heavily favoured Thunderbirds on their home ice in game 5 Tuesday night.
Down 2-0 in the third period the Trappers fought back with a shorthanded tally by Finn Seguin and then Devyn Martel forced the overtime session with the equalizer with 1:08 left in regulation time.
However, the story book finish ended in double overtime when Oshawa Generals draft pick Zach Senecal scored the series winning goal in a 3-2 win which ended the Trappers season.
Trappers Head Coach Mike Reise couldn't hang his head too low after what his squad accomplished in this series.
"I'm really proud of these boys for sure," stated Reise who again played game 5 without Great North Midget League leading scorer Jeff Jordan, who suffered a high ankle sprain in game 2 of the series.
"We didn't start out to great tonight, but I thought we fought back hard to take it to OT. Just like all season, we came on strong as the season went on - gelled at the right time.
"To go that far without Jeff (Jordan) in the lineup, who would have thought. Colton stood on his head again which we have come to rely on! What a great group of kids and parents to deal with, and that makes it that much better."
Brendan Gillis opened the scoring on a frst period power play for the T-Birds who led 1-0 after 20 minutes of play.
Matt McKay extended the lead to 2-0 about 6 minutes into the second period.
Trappers goalie Colton Point was solid again as on the bigger ice at the John Rhodes Community Centre. He faced another 55 shots in regulation and overtime in the loss.
The T-Birds will have a few days rest before they travel East to face the New Liskeard Cubs in the Great North Midget League final which starts Friday, March 6th in New Liskeard.
