The Trenton Golden Hawks and Wellington Dukes renewed their rivalry, although in many ways it was a unique experience.
With the doors locked, no body checking, and face protection in place, the Battle of Highway 33 was renewed, with the first annual Hasty Ps Cup 8 Game Summit Series, presented by Trent Valley Distributors. The entire game and the whole series is being televised on YourTV (Cogeco 4/700).
Remembrance Day was a fitting setting for the start of the series. Trent Valley Distributors owner and former Wellington Duke Chris Auger, Quinte West Mayor Jim Harrison, The County of Prince Edward Mayor Steve Ferguson, and Hastings Prince Edward Regiment Honorary Colonel Robert Graydon dropped the ceremonial puck to begin the series. Those in attendance also observed a moment of silence, the poem In Flanders Field, and The Last Post.
The Dukes started the scoring off just past the midway point of the 1st period when Jacob Vreugdenhil, danced into the G-Hawks’ zone and scored a highlight reel goal short handed. The marker was assisted by Trenton Golden Hawk Tyler Ignazzitto.
Just before the end of the first frame, James White put the Dukes up 2-0, when he used his large 6’4/220 frame, to muscle his way from the corner to the front of Nicholas McGowan on the rebound. The Peterborough native was a big addition to the Dukes last season after spending time in the QMJHL with the Saint John Sea Dogs. Shots finished 13-10 Trenton.
In the 2nd period, it was the G-Hawks who used their size and ability to get to the net to score as Jacob Campbell, recently acquired from the Cobourg Cougars, beat the newest Duke, Goaltender Eli Shiller at the 17:46 mark. Campbell was able to pick up a loose puck behind the net and skate out front and snap a wrister to make it 2-1. Dalton Bancroft and Julien Jacob drew the assists. The period would end that way, with the shots 25-19 through 40 for Trenton.
The third period was a tighter checking frame, as each team was looking to keep the puck out of their goal, but it was Trenton tying things, as Aaron Jamieson beautifully tipped a Jake Laville pass into the Dukes goal. Julien Jacob picked up his 2nd assist of the game.
It would finish in a tie, as the series will only be decided in extra time, if the series is tied after eight games of regulation (5 minutes of 4 on 4, then 5 minutes of 3 on 3). Both teams struggled on the power play, going 0/5. Officials Danny Emerson and Chris Galway were also focused on the Return to the Rink Rules of the OJHL and Ontario Hockey Federation.
Following the game, Trenton Coach Peter Goulet said, “Any time you are down 2-0 and battle back and you can tie things, that is great. It is not the result we were looking for, but Wellington got the jump on us and they got a few breaks early. We never quit, we stuck to the plan and walked away even. Without hitting, it changes the game so much. We have a big strong blue line and there is a lot of things we cannot do out there. It is going to work both ways for both teams.”
Wellington Bench Boss Derek Smith says, “I think any time you play Trenton games are going to be close. We have the rivalry, and it is always great hockey. Both teams got a good start to the season. Seven more games are going to be a lot of fun.”
Dukes Goaltender Eli Shiller and Trenton’s Nick McGowan were strong in goal, combining for 60 saves. Shiller says, “It was great, it was the first meaningful game in the past 9, 10 months. It was great to get back out there.” The Trenton tender meantime commented that hockey is a bit different without body checking. “There are a lot more shots in close, as the D cannot push up on the guy. We adjusted to it and I think we did well and battled back. The games are going to be close. We both have a strong back end and have some solid goaltending.”
Jacob Vreugdenhill, who scored for the Dukes in game one said, “We both play with a lot of speed, and we like to get pucks on net, the goaltending seems quite strong, and we are both evenly matched.”
“I think we played well. A few bounces either way could change the game. McGowan made some big saves and kept us in it at times. I noticed without hitting you need to engage your stick more often. You must also be quick getting back into your corners. You also need to have good footwork, and quickly move the puck,” says Trenton defencemen Kyle Robinson.
Thursday is an off day in the series, with game 2 set for 2:30 p.m. on Friday afternoon in Wellington.