By Kyle Legouffe

The end of the 2012-2013 season is now over as Briercrest hockey hosted the Grant MacEwan Griffins. Last nights game was emotional and Briercrest was not able to avenge the 7-1 loss. The final score was 7-1 for Grant MacEwan.

With the end of this game it marked the end of the ACAC careers of both Jesse Chenard and Mike Fischer. Throughout Chenard’s career he was able to stand tall between the pipes and be a huge piece of the puzzle. This season he was able to grab records for the most saves over a career in a game against Concordia. He also was able to grab the single season saves record last weekend when they were on the road in Augustana. Mike Fischer has been able to come in during second semester this season and play the role of banging in the loose pucks around the crease. He also has paid the price as he is in front of the net all game and getting sticks to the lower back and the back of the legs. Both players were presented with commemorative sticks showcasing their ACAC career.

The first period was fast and furious as both teams came out hungry and ready to go. There were tons of hits in the opening frame as a physical tone was set right from the get go. Five minor penalties were given in the period as Briercrest got two for unsportsmanlike conduct from Pierre Landry and Mike Fischer, and Grant MacEwan took three, one for roughing, one for hooking and the last one was for cross-checking. The power play for the Griffins was able to come through, as they made good on both of their opportunities. Despite being outshot 10-9 in the period Grant MacEwan was able to escape the opening 20 minutes with the 2-0 lead.

The middle frame was filled with intensity and determination. The period was filled with hits and scrums during and after the play. Even with Briercrest trailing on the scoreboard they were able to get under the skin of the Griffins as they took five of the eight penalties called in the stanza. Briercrest was able to cut the lead to one 1:08 into the period on a goal from Josh Dufrense with Luke Robitaille and Caleb Willems getting the assists. The period went on and Grant MacEwan was able to stretch their lead to three goals as they potted two. They went into the intermission with a 4-1 lead. The shots in the period were 13-10 for Grant MacEwan a they led that category after 40 minutes 22-20.

The final stanza got off to a bad start for Briercrest as they had two quick goals scored on them to stretch their deficit to 6-1.  The physical play did not stop in the period as the hit parade kept coming. Later in the period there was a scrum after the whistle that resulted in five 10-minute misconducts. Grant MacEwan was able to add another goal late in the period to make the final score 7-1. Jesse Chenard was able to keep his team in the game and Briercrest was all around the net but could not get the puck to settle down and were missing the net. The shots in the period favoured MacEwan 10-7 and the total shots were 32-27.

The player of the game award was given to Dexter Hamilton of Grant MacEwan and Jesse Chenard of Briercrest.

As this game was the final one for Briercrest this season, head coach Dalton Stoltz will be in full off-season mode. He will be on the path of recruiting as he looks to build a contending team for next season. Briercrest Hockey would like to thank all for the support given to them over the season and are much appreciative of it.

Like the liking the Briercrest Hockey Facebook page for updates on the formation of next year’s squad and other off-season information.