A lot was at stake in Group B in the final round robin game of the Centennial Cup. With a regulation win, Truro would finish at the top of the group and get a bye to the semifinal on Saturday. Flin Flon would need to win by at least 5 to move on and end Truro’s season.
The Bombers came hot out the entire contest, playing like a team that was playing for their lives. They played an outstanding game, defeating the Bearcats 3-1 with Truro’s lone goal coming on an empty netter as the Bombers were trying to push with a 3-0 lead late.
Flin Flon scored twice in 28 seconds of the sticks of Reid Arberry and Ryder Knutson late in the first period to take a 2-0 lead. After the Bearcats were pressed in the second, they limited the Bomber chances to keep the 2 goal deficit heading to the final frame. The Bombers continued to push and at the 11:25 mark, made it a 3-0 game with their first powerplay goal of the tournament courtesy of Daniel Morozov. Soon after, Flin Flon would bring SJHL Goalie of the Year Charlie Tritt to the bench for the extra attacker, still in need of a pair of goals. The Bombers continued to press but at the 16:38 mark, Jake Todd would fire a shot from his own end, hitting the empty net and taking the wind out of the sails of the SJHL champs.
Despite the 3-1 loss, Truro finishes second in the group and will meet an old foe in the Summerside Western Capitals who finished third in Group A. That quarterfinal will be played on Friday. The Flin Flon Bombers season, unfortunately comes to an end.
Louca Connolly took the loss with an excellent 33 save effort while Charlie Tritt stopped all 18 shots he faced in the loss.