Nouvelles

Champlain Regional College - St. Lawrence - College hockey provincial champs !

The St. Lawrence Lions Men's Hockey Team defeated the Sorel Rebels in the Men's Collegiate Provincial Hockey Championship by the score of 3-2.

The first period of the game saw both teams studying each other, not wanting to take too many risks so the other the opposition could not take advantage of miscues to take control of the game. Even though both teams had their chances, everyone retreated to their locker rooms with a nil-nil tie.

The Rebels stormed out of the gate to start the second, scoring the first goal of the game 20 second after the start of the period. However, the Lions were not fazed and counter attacked right away. The were rewarded for their efforts no more than three minutes later, when the Sorel goaltender lost control of a Francois Fortin shot from the point, and the puck found its way to the back of the net off his own defender. The Lions found themselves on the powerplay four minutes later, but it was Sorel who took the lead, scoring shorthanded. Down 2-1, the Lions could not seem to regain control of the game. Until, with three minutes left in the period, while shorthanded, Vincent Clement came streaking down the right wing and beat the defender to then fool the Sorel goalie with a backhand shot. The two teams were tied 2-2 after two periods.

The third period started the same way as the second period, with a quick goal. But this time it was St. Lawrence's turn to take their first lead of the game, and who else but JP Sansfacon to score the go ahead, and what proved to be game-winning goal. The Lions played very well defensively, giving only few chances to the Rebels, and Thierry Tremblay was there went they were able to get through. All that was left was counting down the final seconds, and then the players and coaches were able to celebrate.

After the game, a very emotional coach Mike Labadie addressed his players in the locker room, dedicating the win to Hervey Beaubien, former assistant coach of the team, and great friend of the Lions hockey program, who passed away suddenly last December.

Congratulations to our men and thanks to all supporters who made the trip to Sherbrooke to cheer for their team.