Gryphon hockey men’s finale halted by ice issues
GUELPH – Somehow, this was fitting.
The Guelph Gryphons saw their OUA men’s hockey season come to an end a little over two minutes into their Seniors Day game Sunday at the Gryphon Centre.
The time required to fix a problem with the ice surface in the Gryphon crease brought an end to a game with the Windsor Lancers with the game tied 1-1. However, the game will be officially recorded as a cancellation.
Guelph Gryphons-Windsor cancelled
Jacob Winterton had scored in the first period for the hosts while John Parker-Jones connected for a shorthanded goal for Windsor.
Prior to the game the Gryphs honoured graduating players forwards Connor Bramwell and Andrew Dodson and goaltender Gabe Mollot-Hill.
They were the only players on the roster at the end of the season who are not expected back next season. However, the Gryphs did lose five players (forwards Aidan Brown, Lucas Chiodo, Gio Finoro and Nick Issacson and defenceman Ryan Da Silva) as they began their pro careers during the extended break for exams, Christmas holidays and a pandemic shutdown. That means 19 players are expected to return for the 2022-2023 season.
The Gryphs also had to forfeit three games (all wins) in the 2021 portion of the season for failing to suit up two goals for those games, something they were unable to do due to injuries to their netminders. However, they were given the OK to use a single goalie in their Frosty Mug game as they had an injury and a suspension limit them to one goalie.
Saturday, the Gryphs saw their playoff hopes dashed in their Aggies Day game when they were edged 3-2 in overtime by the Lancers.
The Gryphs never led in the game, but also never trailed by more than a goal.
Ted McGeen’s goal for the Gryphs with 5:15 to go in regulation time forced the overtime. Cole Cameron scored the other goal while Ted Nichol, Dodson, Bramwell and Luke Kutkevicius each had an assist.
Anthony Stefano scored the winner for Windsor 3:18 into overtime while Mel Melconian and Brady Pataki tallied earlier in the game.
Top eight in the 10-team Western Conference qualified for the playoffs which are to feature single-game rounds this season. The Gryphs, defending champions from the 2019-2020 season, finished 10th at 4-9-3.
It was the first time the Gryphs failed to qualify for the playoffs since the 2007-2008 season.
- Guelph Sports Journal