Waxers Eliminated in Heartbreaking Overtime Loss

Waxers Eliminated in Heartbreaking Overtime Loss

Mike Scheu drives to the net in overtime but can't get the puck past Buzzers goalie Mike Binnington.

photos by Mike Tillaart

(Mar.4.07) The Markham Waxers fell behind 2-0, then rallied to tie the score and send Game 7 into sudden death overtime. After non-stop end to end action, with sensational goaltending by Markham's Matthew Spezza and St. Mike's Mike Binnington, the St. Mikes Buzzers scored in the third overtime period to take the series and end the Waxers' season.

St. Mike’s jumped into an early lead, Rory Smith scoring at 7:03 of the first period, assisted by Kyle Neuber and Jeff Brown. They made it a two-goal advantage at 13:19 when Greg Miller scored from Justin Troiani.

The Waxers fought back and were rewarded at 17:11 of the second period when Paul McMullen, taking a feed from Ryan Carey, took a shot from the point that eluded the Buzzers netminder.

In the third period, the Waxers pressed hard for the equalizer, but also needed goalie Spezza to come up with big saves to keep them in the game.

At 12:42 of the period, Corey Tamblyn was Mr. Clutch, scoring on a play that began with a shot from the point by Cameron Gaunce. JoJo Bojanowski also drew an assist.

Both sides had chances to win in regulation but the goalies at both ends of the ice made great saves.

The action during the overtime periods was intense, with both sides generating excellent scoring opportunities and both goalies making sensational saves.

Paul McMullen is congratulated on his goal
by Cameron Gaunce

Triple overtime is a test of endurance at any time, but these teams were also playing their third game in three nights. Despite being near exhaustion, neither side let up.

At 17:20 of the third overtime period, St. Mike’s Buzzers’ Richard Ryan scored on a shot that pinballed its way into the net. The Buzzers mobbed their overtime hero while the devastated Waxers gathered around goalie Spezza to console and comfort each other.

Markham coach Rick Cornacchia paid tribute to his team.

“We played well. We gave it a hundred per cent. Three games in three nights, the kids did an outstanding job, starting from Spezza in the net, the defensemen, the forwards. They gave it everything they had. It could have gone either way.”

It was a tough loss for his young team to deal with.

“When you give that effort, you give 100 percent, and you lose, there is nothing to be ashamed of but still ... it’s tough.”

It will soon be time to think of next year but the management and coaching staff are very proud of the team they had this season.

“We had a unique group of kids. We’re really proud of them. They’re real good people. Not just good hockey players, but good people.”

Matthew Spezza

Corey Tamblyn

The Markham Waxers (in dark blue) exchange handshakes
with the St. Mike's Buzzers at the end of an exhausting triple overtime thriller.

Grant Weaver