Storybook ending

Dukes finish with flourish at the DukeDome

It was a fitting end to the DukeDome. Fans packed into every corner cheering wildly on every near miss. Shouting approval for every efficient penalty kill. On their feet as Jordan Ruby snatched a corner-bound puck out of the air. And to sustain the drama a bit longer, Captain Sean Rudy tucked home a rebound with just over a minute left in the game to tie the score at one, ensuring a thrilling end to the last game in the hallowed Dome.

Dukes sniper Steve Evans scored the final goal at the old DukeDome, going five hole on Cobourg goaltender Mathieu Cadieux during the shootout.

In overtime the Dukes had all the best chances to end the game, but in the end it would come down to a shootout. After Ruby shut the door on three Cobourg shooters-it was left to the sweet hands of Steve Evans to shift and find the five hole. The final goal at the DukeDome. His team poured over the bench to celebrate the win. It was a celebration befitting a playoff series win.

The players, though just young men, understood the importance of this game. Yet they know the history of this place, the tradition and achievements that have taken place here. They understand, too, about fans who love their hometown team—fans who support them through success and defeat.

Fittingly, the Dukes players pulled away from their onice celebration to salute the fans and the community before gradually making their way off the ice. It was the right way to say farewell to the DukeDome.

DREARY IN DOWNSVIEW

All the emotion of Friday’s game in Wellington was likely flushed away when the Dukes stepped on the ice at the generic multi-pad arena in Downsview on Saturday night. There was just over 70 fans scattered among the hundreds of empty seats.

“It was dreary game,” said Marty Abrams, coach and general manager of the Wellington Dukes. “And we were playing a team that was trapping and we had a hard time keeping our feet moving.”

Nevertheless Jan Kaminsky and Darcy Greenaway combined for a goal just a minute into the game. It would turn out to be all the scoring the Dukes would need. For the next 54 minutes the teams played keep away, rarely allowing the other through the neutral zone.

Then as the third period was drawing to a close, Greenaway notched his second goal of the game, from Jeff Stanton and Rusty Haffner, to seal the road win for the Dukes. It was his 15th goal of the season.

“I was really pleased with the Greenaway, Kaminsky and Stanton line,” said Abrams. “Not only did they score both goals, they carried the play whenever they were on the ice. Those guys really led us to victory and Jordan Ruby was simply outstanding.”

The win puts the Dukes nine points ahead of secondplace Kingston in the East Division race.

RED SHIFT

By all accounts they are skilled and they are fast. And there seems little question the Dukes will have their hands full when the Russian Red Stars land in Wellington on January 4. In a match sponsored by McDougall Stanton Insurance and Kingfisher Financial, the Dukes will be the lone OJHL team to tangle with the touring handpicked Russian squad as they travel across the northeast U.S. and eastern Canada.

The Russian Red Stars will begin their North American tour playing in the IIHF World Junior Championships beginning on Boxing Day in Buffalo, N.Y.. They will move on to play exhibition games with EJHL Selects, Yale University, Army at West Point and College of Holy Cross.

The Russian team arrives in Canada on New Year’s Day to take on an all-star team from the Golden Horseshoe conference of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League. Next, they will move on to Stratford and then Wellington on January 4.

Jan Kaminsky looks back to collect a pass from Darcy Greenaway.

“It is an opportunity we couldn’t pass up,” said Abrams. “The Dukes are the only league team taking on the Russians although we do have the opportunity to bolster our lineup with other players from the OJHL. It is going to be a very strong team—we will see how strong they are in the games before they get to Wellington before we decide whether or not to add players for the game.

“I expect them to be of Major Junior ‘A’ calibre or better. It is an opportunity for our guys to say they played an international hockey team.”

Tickets are expected to go on sale this week through the usual outlets.

SIDELINED

Brandon Mcintosh laced up a week ago when the Dukes were shorthanded against Cobourg. It was his first time back on the ice since mid-November, when the dependable blueliner
suffered a high ankle sprain away from the game. His return, it seems, was premature. The pain was unbearable after just a few shifts. Now, with another week’s rest, Mcintosh wants back into the Dukes lineup.

“He is chomping on the bit to play on Friday,” said Abrams, “but we are likely to hold off until the New Year.”

Sean Rudy jammed his thumb in the tying goal on Friday night. Abrams says the Dukes captain could have played on Saturday but opted to rest instead. The thumb will be x-rayed this week to rule out any fracture.

UP NEXT: TRENTON, WHITBY AND CHRISTMAS

The Dukes travel to Trenton tonight to take on the struggling Golden Hawks. Trenton has lost six of its last 10 games and is beginning to fade from playoff contention. “This is really a Jekyll and Hyde team,” said Abrams. “They’ve played and won against some very good teams. On the other hand they’ve lost games they should have won.

“When they are healthy and going on all cylinders and they get the goaltending Finney can play, they are a tough team to beat. It will be a hard hitting and very emotional game I’m sure.”

OPENING THE NEW ESSROC ARENA

Whitby, too, is struggling to make the playoffs. After a strong start the Fury have faded badly, dropping eight of their last 10 games. Nevertheless, Abrams is going into this first home game in the new rink with caution.

“They are very difficult to play against, especially when they get good goaltending. They seem to struggle offensively and with consistency, but they are very strong defensive oriented hockey team.”

The Dukes began practicing in the new arena this week, still getting used to the larger ice surface and the lush new digs in which they hang their gear.

Abrams, like virtually everyone else who has crossed the threshold of the new Wellington and District Community Centre, is impressed by the new facility and particularly by Sunday’s opening celebration.

“I was blown away by the number of people and the enthusiasm in the building,” said Abrams. “I am impressed with the participation of all the service groups and all the user groups. The community spirit and enthusiasm was really overwhelming.”

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME

According to the Dukes stats wizard, David Brown, it’s is difficult to see how the Dukes’ home record can get much better. In 12 games at the DukeDome this year, they captured 23 out of a possible 24 points.

“It’s also too bad their games against South Division teams are coming to an end,” said Brown. “The Dukes have picked up 29 out of a possible 30 points so far with just one game left against south opponents [Dixie on Jan. 8].”

The Dukes have just 18 games left, 12 at home and six on the road. Of these road games, only one is west of Cobourg (Dixie).