Sweep complete

Pirates forward Cole Bolton.

Pirates beat Alliston in four games—get set for All-Ontario final

It was another wild ride but the Picton Pirates emerged victorious on Wednesday completing the sweep of the Alliston Hornets. In doing so they move on to the Schmalz Cup—to face the Essex 73s to determine the All-Ontario Championship.

Picton jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the first period. They seemed to be rolling toward an easy victory. Alliston managed just five shots in the period. Brian Bunnett scored shorthanded just two minutes into the game—quieting the Alliston crowd. Ryan Sizer aand Tyler Kearns lengthened the Pirates lead.

But between periods the Hornets must have received some powerful motivation—for they emerged a different more determined team. It took some time to turn the tide—but before the period was over Alliston scored and had drawn within a couple of Picton.

Early in the third, Alliston turned up the energy level again—scoring three more unanswered goals—the Hornets’ forward Mark O’Donell setting up three of them.

Suddenly the Pirates instead of skating home with the series win—were behind in the game. Worse, Alliston had all the momentum.

Then midway through the last period—Ryan Sizer scored his second goal of the game to tie the score. Five minutes later Cole Bolton scored to give Picton the lead once again.

Alliston battled hard to earn the equalizer in the dying minutes but netminder Andrew Pearson stood firm.

The Pirates celebrated their first admission to the Schmalz Cup final.

Check The Times for the schedule for final series as soon as it is released.