WALPOLE – The tournament is over. The awards handed out. Only one team left standing as the top team at the 2015 Junior Chowder Cup.
The Grizzlies earned that title on Sunday at Rodman Arena when they defeated Hockey Essentials 3-1 to claim the ’99 Division Championship.
Hockey Essentials struck first, Scott Osani garnering his side the 1-0 advantage at 6:52. Yet, despite averaging 3.5 goals per game up to that point, it was all the offense Essentials saw in tournament’s final game. Another shutdown performance by the Grizzlies, who had posted a pair of shutouts in their three wins earlier in the day leading up to the championship match.
In total, the Grizzlies gave up just five goals in their seven games played in the Junior Chowder Cup.
While the defense locked down their own zone, the Grizzlies offense went on the attack. Josh Deluca had the game tied 1-1 with his power play goal at 11:32. Josh Wildager, who led Sunday’s playoffs with five points (1G, 4A), put the Grizzlies on top 2-1 with his score at 24:12.With an empty net goal at 29:22, Andrew Andry secured the tournament’s top prize for the Grizzlies, bringing the game’s score to its 3-1 final.
Assisting on that final goal of the contest was Trevor Bishop, who took home the ’99 Division All-Tournament Most Valuable Player honors. Also receiving All-Tournament accolades were forwards Paul Bryer of the Grizzlies and Jordan Seyfert and Nick Abruzzese of Hockey Essentials.
Essentials John Spetz and Zach Hart of the Grizzlies were chosen as the All-Tournament defensive pair. The Grizzlies Drew Deridder was named All-Tournament Goaltender.
