THUNDER BAY – SPORTS – Toronto upset Quebec’s perfect record and wins the 2019 Telus Cup in a thrilling contest that took 2 overtime periods to decide, and 49 saves by the Young Nationals goalie, an effort that would earn him the team’s Player of the Game.
It was all Quebec through nearly the first 2 periods, with Toronto’s James Gray being pummelled by 32 shots, to only the 12 shots faced by Magog’s Olivier Adam. Quebec’s Justin Robidas broke the 0-0 score with just a minute left in the period.
The Young Nationals managed to step up the pace of the game toward the end of the 2ndperiod and carried that into the 3rd with Thomas Harbour scoring 6:06 into the period to tie the game at 1. This elevated the levels on the decibel meter, with the crowd realizing they were witnessing one heck of a final game.
Penalties were even through 1 period with one awarded to both teams, and the 2ndperiod was clean. After Toronto’s tying goal in the 3rd, Quebec took a penalty with 4 minutes left in the period for a hit to the head, but successfully defended the short-handed stint. A 10 minute full strength overtime period followed after a brief break, with that period also going scoreless despite chances for both teams.
The 5thframe was set to be a full 20 minute period, but a gold medal goal by Toronto’s Joseph Martino just 1:31 into double overtime, sent sticks and gloves airborne as the Young Nationals did what no other team could do, and defeated a very strong Quebec team that was looking like they might sweep the tournament.
Photos and Files from Guy Gascoigne GASP.