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Wednesday, January 31, 2007 · Page 18 HOCKEY HIGHLIGHTS Canadiens embarrass 73's at home BY KEVIN E. NEELS If you are a Belle River Canadiens fan, you probably felt delight in last Tuesday's game at Essex Memorial Arena, as the visiting Canadiens handed the Essex 73's some of their own medicine ­ defeat. Belle River showed no mercy as they soundly beat Essex by a 5-0 score. "We knew this has been coming for a while," veteran player Chad Wolters said. Captain Rob Shepley summed it up best. "We knew we have not been playing well as well as we should be the last four or five outings, and we certainly didn't need to lose to prove it." not done quite yet. They added a shorthanded marker late in period three for the shutout. "Belle River out-battled us, and they deserved to win," said Wolters. "I hope this is an eye opener for us, especially the first year players. This is reminiscent of a couple of years ago when we could not put the puck in the net, and were eliminated by Dresden. We have to find a way to put the puck in the net." "I hope a game like this will build character for the team," Shepley said. With only two weeks remaining in the regular season, Essex will play just once this week when the Wheatley Sharks invade the Essex Arena on Tuesday. Zero-tolerance policy enforced in 73's decision CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 Rather, he feels the OHA is emphasizing its "zero tolerance" policy for coaches who verbally confront an official. "It's perplexing," Byrne said. "There were no threats or physical conduct. This was simply a disagreement." Byrne said a shorter suspension term would have been acceptable, but one that spills over into the next season and causes Piroski to miss a 73's playoffs run is "very heavy." "My interpretation is that they've thrown everything into a pot and painted over it with a broad brush," Byrne said. "I think there are altercations every day in hockey...This moves us to a whole new level that even having a discussion with a referee can result in a punishment this severe. This is groundbreaking stuff." Byrne said the appeals committee is suggesting that coaches register any com- Chad Wolters Rob Shepley The first period was all Canadiens, as they continually beat the 73's to the puck, and out-hustled them throughout the period. The hard work paid off for the visitors as they jumped out to a 3-0 lead. The locals must have received a tongue lashing between periods as they came out strong in period two, but ran into a problem named Dan Eichel. The Belle River goaltender played solid in keeping the 73's off the score sheet. The visitors added a bit of salt to the wound by cashing in on a power play late in the period. But the Canadiens were Atom A Forest Machine The boys played the third game of their first round of play downs in LaSalle on Thusday night. With each team having one win, the boys were looking for that go-ahead game. The Ravens took the lead in the first period with Brett Rickeard finding the back of the net with a pass from Jordan Hooker and William Wuerch. The Sabres came back within four minutes to tie it, leaving a score of 1-1 after the first period. The Sabres came on strong in the second period with three goals. Essex answered with one of their own goals ESSEX OPTIMIST RECREATIONAL SOCCER LEAGUE Dates: Saturday - January 27, February 3, February 24 March 3 (Final Registration) - After this date NO Place: Essex Memorial Arena - in the meeting room Time: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. applications will be accepted at any location. 2007 REGISTRATION REGISTRATION FEE *One Child - $60.00 ($40.00 Registration Fee, $20.00 Raffle Tickets) *Two Children - $120.00 ($80.00 Registration Fee, $40.00 Raffle Tickets) *Three Children - $160.00 ($120.00 Registration Fee, $40.00 Raffle Tickets) *Four Children & over - $160.00 ($120.00 Registration Fee, $40.00 Raffle Tickets) If you register on the last registration date, March 3/07, a $20.00 late fee will apply. For example it will be $60.00 for registration instead of $40.00, plus $20.00 raffle tickets for a total of $80.00. by Hooker passing to Rickeard who found Wuerch open and he scored making it 4-2. The third period started with LaSalle scoring two quick goals. With a score of 6-2 Essex would not give up. Rickeard picked up the puck at his own goal line and went end to end to score his second of the game. Within one minute the pumped up line of Jonah Fuerth, Mitchael Salter and Mitchell Hudvagner came out with Huddy seeing the top corner, with great passing from Salty and Fuerth. LaSalle once again answered with another goal but the Ravens kept fighting. Rickeard was able to get his hat trick with assists going to A.J. Market and Hooker. Both goaltenders Kyle Hill and Josh Myers had several shots and gave it a great effort. Great hustle to Sean Santarossa, Dalton Langlois, Adam Zanier and Dillon Jarvis. Being down by a game the boys knew they had to win on Saturday night. The boys played a tight first period. LaSalle got on the board first but the Ravens were able to tie it on a goal by Dave Stafford. The boys had lots of chances to score but couldn't capitalize. LaSalle took the lead in the second period with two more goals. Rickeard took a great pass from Hooker and fired a shot to the short side of the net, bringing them within one goal. Derek Morris and Jeff Miller had to stay strong on defense to keep the score close. Stafford was able to find the back of the net again for his second and tie the game 3-3. Just when overtime loomed LaSalle took a quick backhand shot that found the net with only 39 seconds left. The final score was 4-3 for LaSalle and they took the series 3 games to 1. The boys will have to wait to see who they play in the play-offs. Good luck Ravens! plaints they may have to the OHA office in Cambridge. "It seems curious that for every little issue that arises they expect people to take it to Cambridge," Byrne said. "Whatever happened to local decision making?" Byrne said he is concerned that the appeal committee's decision will dampen some people's enthusiasm about volunteering to coach and work with young athletes. Karen Phibbs, a member of the appeal board, refused to comment when asked about the board's reasons behind handing down the one-year suspension, saying "it is innappropriate" to make public the information because it could affect any future appeal. Piroski and Jones have worked together for five seasons and led the 73's to four Great Lakes Junior `C' Hockey League titles and two All-Ontario championships. http://essexfreepress.reinvented.net Recreation Committee Softball/T-ball Registration (Leagues Now Forming) Saturday, February 3rd 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Sunday, February 4th 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. AT St. Mary's Hall, Maidstone Log on to... St. Mary's Park MEN $60 LADIES $60 YOUTH $25 (Family - 3 or more $60) · Cheques for Raffle Tickets should be made out to E.S.F.D.A NSF CHEQUES WILL BE CHARGED $50.00 e w availabl NCBS is no participants ed for qualifi e national who receiv pplement. fit su child bene info or to For more to ur form go receive yo wn Hall. x To Esse From $ No Payment. No Interest for 12 months. Toro Financing Available* 469.99 © 2007 The Toro Company. See dealer for warranty, guarantee, financing and pricing details. · Cheques for Registration should be made out to E.O.R.S.L. Factory Authorized Clearance · Patented Power Curve rotor system · Throws snow up to 30 feet · Cleans down to the pavement Ages for Youth Leagues: Born in: 2001, 02, 03 - T-Ball (Saturday morning) 1998, 99, 00 - Junior (Saturday morning) 1995, 96, 97 - Intermediate (Saturday morning) 1992, 93, 94 - Senior (Thursday evening) Please note - Late charges Will Apply IF openings are available For more Information call: Michelle Mongeau - 519-737-6766 OR Shaun Fuerth - 519-723-4247 MAIDSTONE RECREATION CENTRE SUMMER MIXED SAND VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE (starting end of May - Labour Day - 15 weeks) VOLUNTEERS ARE IMPERATIVE TO THE RUNNING OF THIS YEAR'S LEAGUE! · ASST. COACHES · COACHES · CONVENORS · BOARD MEMBERS · FIELD SET-UP · CANTEEN HELPERS · REFEREES FOR ALL DIVISIONS For more information or to print off your registration form visit our website at www.eorsl.piczo.com REGISTRATION SAME DATES AND TIMES AS NOTED ABOVE AGE 16 AND OVER 35 Victoria Ave., Essex, ON N8M 1M4 FOR MORE INFO CALL Jim Croft 519-723-2216 or Brian Soulliere at 519-739-0475 or email at maidstonerecreation@hotmail.com Store Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8:30 - 5:00, Sat. 9:00 - 12:00 519-776-8778