Game 3: Onondaga 12 – Six Nations 9
Game 4: Onondaga 7 – Six Nations 10
Game 5: Six Nations 4 – Onondaga 8
The Onondaga Redhawks repeat as Can-Am champs by defeating the Six Nations Sting 4 games to 1 on Sunday August 6th at Tsha’Honnonyendakwha’.
Friday and Saturday the Sting hosted the Redhawks at Six Nations. Friday night saw the Redhawks take control of the game as they exploded for a 6 goal second period ensuring a 12-9 win. Saturday the Sting found their offensive rhythm netting 10 (the highest of the series) while holding the Redhawks to 7 (their lowest of the series) ensuring a game 5 at Onondaga.
On Sunday the Redhawks struck first and built a 2-0 lead before the Sting scored on a power play to cut the lead in half in the closing minutes of the first period.
The second period saw both teams pick up the pace for the duration of the second period. Both teams had great chances and many times they were turned away by good goal-tending on both ends of the floor. But when the Redhawks tried to extend the lead, the Sting would respond with a goal of their own. So as the second period ended both teams had scored 3 goals a piece and with Onondaga leading Six Nations 5-4.
Again, the game was a close and who was going to first was going to be key. So when the Redhawks were called for a questionable holding call plus and an additional penalty for protesting the call, the Sting was in position to tie the game at 5. On the Sting’s first possession, goal tender Jeff Powless made a solid save and a quick outlet to Ed Shenandoah at midfield. Ed spotted a cutting AJ Bucktooth with a defender on his side. Ed threw the pass, AJ stopped, caught the pass on the crease, and shot around his defender to score a 2-man-down goal as the crowd erupted! Trying to get within one goal on the remaining moments of the 2 man power play, the Sting fired an outside shot which AJ scooped up and raced down the floor to score another 2 man-down goal and a 3 goal lead for the Redhawks at 7-4 as the fans celebrated.
With the lead and crowd behind him, Jeff continued stopped all Sting opportunities. Jeff continued his outstanding play frustrating the Sting shooters from up close and from long range. As the Sting pulled their goal for the extra attacker, that allowed the Redhawks some fast break opportunities with an open goal. On goal was saved by an outstanding leap and stretch to save the ball by the Sting net minder. Later in the closing moments, Clayton Jones finished off the scoring by beating the goalie low and sending the home town fans celebrating the Can-Am Championship.
The Redhawks would like to congratulate the Six Nations Sting for a great series as they prepare to make the trip to Vancouver to represent the Can-Am in the 2006 Presidents Cup.