Brock captures OUA West title with win over York

TORONTO, Ont. - The Brock University men's hockey team have captured their third OUA West title in the program's history as they defeated the York Lions by the score of 3-2 in Game 3 Saturday night at the Canlan Ice Sports in Toronto.

With the victory, the Badgers will now host the OUA Queen's Cup Final on Saturday, March 10th as well as earn a berth into the USPORTS National Championships being held in Fredericton, NB.

"It's unbelievable. The heart on this team is something special to be part of," said first year head coach Marty Williamson. "We just don't quit. I'm so proud of these guys."

The host Lions opened the scoring just 45 seconds into the first period as Nick Zottl found Colton Vannucci who registered his fourth goal of the playoffs. Four minutes into the first, York took a 2-0 lead as Daniel Nikandrov beat Brock goaltender Clint Windsor with assists going Nik Coric and Shayne Rover.

Brock cut the Lions lead in half at 6:24 of the first period, as Jeff Corbett and Cosimo Fontana setup Chris Maniccia for his third postseason goal.

Midway through the second period, the Badgers tied the game 2-2 as Fontana recorded his team leading sixth goal of the playoffs. Adam Lloyd and Maniccia added the assists.

With 6:46 remaining in the second period, Brock's Adam Lloyd beat York starter Mack Shields for the eventual game winner. Maniccia and Fontana both chipped in with their third points of the night.

The Lions offense peppered Windsor all night, including 28 shots in the final period, but it was Windsor posting a career high 51 saves for his sixth postseason victory. He was named OUA West MVP by the York broadcast crew after his outstanding performance. Shields finished with 17 saves in the loss.

"Everyone thinks of us as the underdogs. But that's what fuels us," said Brock goaltender Clint Windsor.

The Badgers will host the OUA Queen's Cup Final on Saturday, March 10th - 7:15 pm at the Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre. Tickets will go on sale Monday, March 5th at 12 noon. Tickets will be available at the Walker Sports Complex Welcome Desk or by calling 905-688-5550 x4060. Ticket prices are $10 adults and $5 for students and seniors.

Source: Brock Badgers