Centennials will face K-W Siskins in first round of playoffs
by Dennis Millward Centennials 2 - Listowel Cyclones 3
The Centennials ended their regular season with a hard fought loss to the first place Cyclones Friday night in Listowel.
The Cens played the game with three lines (A.P. Jackson Cunningham from Ayr fit right in) and three defence pairings, were out shot 54-40 and started back-up keeper Nick Barker (he was stellar stopping 51 shots) but lost by just one 3-2. The outcome had no bearing on where Ayr would finish in the standings (5th) but the Cens have learned how to win and despite being without so many regulars they came very close to extending their streak.
Barker showed he was dialed in early denying a point blank shot 3:20 into the game.
Ayr got on the board first scoring at 8:21 in. Nathan McHattie from the left point sent it into the right corner. Jack Weiser was first to the loose puck and sent it to Austin Keleher who was all alone in the slot. A quick deke in close then a backhander that beat Grimes on the glove side. Listowel tied it with 9:11 remaining in the period when a pass found a Cyclone alone at the back door. The score was 1-1 after 20.
Listowel took their first lead 1:17 into the second with another back door pass on a 2 on 1. It was 2-1 after 40.
Ayr drew even 2:19 into the final frame. Reid Forster took a shot from the right point that
squeeze play - A Centennials player is undeterred by a couple of Stratford Warriors players who try to keep him from the puck. The Centennials won the game on Thursday 3-1.
hit a leg in front and went into the left circle. Charlie Barnes jumped in off the point and sent it into a crowd in front and Blair Krawchyk snapped the loose puck in from the blue ice.
Listowel regained the lead with 4:36 left on the clock with another back door play.
The Cens had a glorious opportunity to tie it up when the
Cyclones were down two men for 1:15 with 2:57 remaining, but both teams’ penalty killers were perfect on the night. Final score was 3-2 .
Centennials 3 - Stratford Warriors 1
The Centennials defeated the Stratford Warriors 3–1 Thursday, February 29th to extend their winning streak to 8 games.
Flawless goaltending at
own rebound and tuck it in while he was below the icing line.
Ethan Kowatsch maintained the slim lead with a huge left pad save on a point blank shot from a man alone in the slot.
Ayr doubled their lead capitalizing on a power play with 2:43 remaining in the second. Daniel Berehowsky from the left wing hashmarks back to Barnes at the point. He sent it to Ryan McKellar on the right point and he walked in to the dot before sniping it in the far side. Stratford cut the lead in half 16 seconds later when a shot from the point trickled just over the line.
by Jim Balkwill
both ends produced a scoreless first, but it wasn’t without some big hits and several high danger chances.
Ayr opened the scoring 12:52 into the second. Austin Keleher won a draw to the Stratford keeper’s right back to Charlie Barnes on the left point. He fired a hard low shot creating a rebound that Blake Kersey swatted at the goaltender. He was able to grab his
Congratulations to Bonnie Brown winning the $253 50/50. It looked as if Stratford had tied it 3:37 into the third but it was ruled Kowatsch had been interfered with so the goal was disallowed. The teams traded chances through the third but the Cens held on to the slim lead. Stratford pulled Perdue for the extra attacker with 2:29 left on the clock. With 7 seconds remaining Kowatsch directed a rebound into the corner to Jack Weiser who sent it up the left side. Kersey won the race to the puck and backhanded it in the empty net from the bottom of the circle with 2.4 left on the clock. Playoffs next week — Jr. Hockey worth watching. Full playoff schedule was unavailable at press time but our first playoff home game will be this Thursday, March 7th against the fourth place K-W Siskins.
Photo
Forward Blair Krawchyk works the puck in the Centennials 3-1 win over Stratford on Thursday. Krawchyk scored one of the two Centennials goals on Saturday when the first placed Listowel team edged them 3-2.
Photo by Jim Balkwill
Ayr & District sports
Ayr Flames U13 Boys Team win Doug Jarrett Memorial Tournament
By Irene SchmIdt-Adeney
The Ayr Flames U13 Boys Team took home the championship banner from the annual Doug Jarrett Memorial Tournament hosted by the West London Hawks from February 23 to 25.
Ayr Flames won five of six games, including three shutouts, while facing competition from much larger centres.
On Friday, Ayr won its opening game by defeating the Burlington Bulldogs White by a score of 3-0. Ayr goals were scored by Hank Gingrich (2) and Oliver Butcher.
Ayr went on to defeat the Ted Reeve Tornados from Toronto by a score of 6-0, with Ayr scoring by Evan Madronic (2), Ethan Haw, Liam Martin, Hank Gingrich, and Ethan Leggo.
On Saturday, Ayr suffered its only loss, defeated by the Waterloo Wolves by a score of 4-3. Ayr goals were scored by Oliver Butcher, Ethan Haw,
and Hank Gingrich.
Later in the day, Ayr defeated the West London Hawks by a score of 6-4 with goals scored by Hank Gingrich (3), Oscar Kelly, Ethan Leggo, and Ethan Bailey.
On the final day of play, Ayr defeated the Brantford 99ers by a score of 3-1. Ayr goals by Hank Gingrich, Oliver Butcher and Ethan Haw.
In the final game, Ayr faced the Waterloo Wolves once again, and were victorious with a score of 3-0. Ayr goals were scored by Oliver Butcher, Oscar Kelly, and Ethan Haw. Logan O’Reilly earned the shut out.
The Doug Jarrett Memorial Tournament is held annually for U9 to U18 teams at the minor development level. Jarrett was born in London and played defence in the NHL for the Chicago Black Hawks from 1965 to 1975, and the New York Rangers from 1975 until 1977.
AYR FLAMES - From left: back - Coach Mark Zulkowsky, Coach Jamie Butler, Oliver Butcher, Hank Gingrich, Ethan Leggo, Max Zulkowsky, Blain Coleman, Coach Tyler Leggo, Coach John Kelly; mid-
dle - Liam Martin, Ethan Bailey, Evan Madronic, Mason Wood, Oscar Kelly, Brayden McLinchey; kneeling: Gavin Schumacher, Sam Butler, Holden Bast, Ethan Haw; front - Logan O’Reilly.
SOUTHWOOD VARSITY GIRLS HOCKEY TEAM HEADED TO CWOSSA – the Southwood Secondary School Varsity Girls Hockey Team was the top school in the AA league and will travel to Simcoe on March 4 and 5th to participate in the CWOSSA championship. The team was also a finalist in the Paris District High School Girls’ Hockey Tournament. Shown above, Back Row, from left: Coach
Krawchyk (teacher), Kara Evoy, Reese St. Louis, Emily MacMillan, Charlie Laffrade, Captain
Macy Holroyd, Ashley MacMillan, Olivia Finn, Kelsey Johnston, Coach Cindy Clipper (teacher). Middle row, from left: Kaylee Gibb, Caitlyn Perriman, Assistant Captain Jess Ross, Assistant Captain Jenna Charron, Reese Coughlin, Sarah Wood, Avery Finn. In front are goalies Jayla Hopkins (left) and Aubrey Merritt (right). Missing from the photo are Anna Snell and Lauren Harris.
SOUTHWOOD BOYS VARSITY HOCKEY TEAM RETIRING PLAYERS – The season has ended for the Southwood Secondary School Boys’ Varsity Hockey Team after a 5 to 2 loss to Preston High School in the qualifier final for CWOSSA. The goals were scored by Deacon Samay and Curtis Stone. The team is saying goodbye to three graduating players, from left: Carter Cressman, Curtis Stone, and Matthew Wood. Stone led the team in scoring during the regular season with 13 points in 12 games. After March break, Southwood’s first-ever Junior Boys’ Hockey Team will begin a series of exhibition games against Galt Collegiate Institute on Monday, March 18th. The team will also participate in three tournaments hosted by Stratford District Secondary School, Elmira District Secondary School, and Galt Collegiate Institute. Photo supplied.
Ayr Sportsmen Hockey League
Sunday, March 3 playoff results
A Division: MacNeil & Dodd 4 vs. Greenhaze 2; 2M Accounting 3 vs. Diversco 2 (S.O.).
B Division: Ayr Financial 8 vs. Kovacevic 5; East Side Mario’s 3 vs. Clintar 2.
C Division: Breezewood 5 vs. Priority Mechanical 4; Hunke Construction 6 vs. Iron Horse Financial 5.
Sunday, March 10 playoff schedule
ACC: 6:00 p.m. Breezewood vs. Hunke; 7:00 p.m. Priority vs. Iron Horse; 8:00 Diversco vs. Greenhaze. NDCC: 7:30 p.m. Ayr Financial vs. East Side Mario’s; 8:30 p.m. Clintar vs. Kovacevic; 9:30 p.m. MacNeil & Dodd vs. 2M.
Karen
Ayr & District sports
Paris Curling Club Thursday Morning senior Third draw winners — Thursday Morning Senior Curling, winners of the Early Draw left to right: Randy Knowles (Vice); Karen Allen (Second); Bill Bingham (Lead). Absent - Sam Sheardown (Skip).
Paris Curling Club Thursday Morning senior Third draw winners — Thursday Morning Senior Curling, winners of the Late Draw left to right: Bob Goodfellow (Lead); Ted Clements (Skip); Kathy Dreyer (Vice) and Stan Hutchison (Lead).
Ayr & District sports
CENTENNIALS
MEET LISTOWEL
IN
NEXT
ROUND
Ayr Centennials win their first GOJHL playoff series
by Dennis MillwarD Centennials
4 - Siskins 3
It took 104 minutes and 26 seconds but Thursday night at the NDCC the Centennials made history by winning their first ever GOJHL playoff series. The vast majority of the 859 fans in attendance hung in for 3 hours and 58 minutes as the game was in its third overtime period before Brett Talbot fired in the game winner.
Ayr opened the scoring 5:35 in with a power play marker. Owen Parson’s shot from the right circle came off the end boards to Ryan McKellar at the left wing hashmarks. He sent it at the net and Austin Keleher was parked out front to chip it in. It was 7:39 into the game before K.W. registered their first shot. With 9:33 remaining Ethan Kowatsch denied the Siskin in on a clear cut breakaway. The Siskins got the equalizer while on the power play with 18 seconds left in the first. The score was 1–1 after 20.
Ayr regained the lead 12 seconds into the middle (or what would normally be the middle) frame. McKellar fired a slap/pass to Parsons who was stationed at the back door and he one-timed it home. Again the Siskins tied it with a power play goal with 8:57 left on the clock. Tied 2–2 after 40.
Congratulations to Mike Kedmenecz on winning the $495 50/50.
Kowatsch kept it even by getting across to deny a shorthanded 2 on 1 3:15 into the third. With 3:25 left on the clock Ayr regained the lead. Mitchell Ferras fired a shot on net that Siskins goalie Nolan Chartrand redirected behind the net. Parsons was right there and sent it out front and DAniel Berehowsky one-timed it just inside the post on the short side. With 1:02 on the clock K.W. pulled Chartrand for the extra attacker. In the past 118:58 the Siskins had scored no 5-on- 5 goals (5 power play and 1 short handed). With 29 seconds remaining they added a 6-on-5 goal to force overtime. Tied at 3–3 after 60.
In the first overtime the Cens outshot the Siskins 15–7 and had flurries with multiple chances only to be denied. With just over 3 minutes left in the first overtime Weiser rang one off the crossbar. Still tied 3–3 after 80.
The second overtime period was more of the same. The Cens, despite burning legs, continued to win races to loose pucks and fought for every loose puck but got nothing past Chartrand. Remained tied 3–3 after 100.
The Centennials pulled out all the stops in the sixth period. On their 10th shot in the first 4 minutes and 26 seconds Brett
The Ayr Centennials won their first Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League playoff series at the North Dumfries Community Complex on Thursday night, with over 800 people in attendence. The tied game with the K-W Siskins had three overtime periods until Brett Talbot scored the game winner.
Talbot made history. It started as a 2-on-1. Parsons reached the inside edge of the right circle before dishing it off to Berehowsky. His shot was denied but his rebound bounced to the top of the crease. Three Siskins were unable to clear the loose puck before Talbot fired Ayr’s 73rd shot of the night in the far side.
The NDCC erupted. The approximately 700 fans that stuck it out till 11:30 p.m. breathed a sigh of relief (the Ayr supporters anyway) and headed for the exits knowing there’s more hockey ahead. Barring a miracle Ayr’s next opponents will be the Listowel Cyclones. Guaranteed to be more Jr hockey action worth watching. Just ask anyone that was there for this one. Centennials 6 - Siskins 4
The Centennials have taken a 3–2 series lead following a 6–4 win over the Siskins in Waterloo Wednesday, March 13.
This one was another hard hitting playoff battle that saw the Cens outshoot K.W. 47–30. The difference from Monday’s game was that Ayr found some holes in the brick wall that Nolan Chartrand maintained on Monday.
Ayr opened the scoring 4:27 into the game. Charlie Barnes came out from behind the net on the left side and carried to his own line before sending it to Blake Kersey as he hit center on the right side. He backed up the defence and used him as a screen as he sniped it through the defenceman’s legs and just inside the post on the far side. The lead was short lived as K.W. evened it up with a power play goal at 8:01. Ethan Kowatsch made a great save on a goal mouth scramble but the
rebound was banged in. Ayr regained their lead with 2:14 left in the first with their own power play goal. Owen Parsons from the bottom of the left circle cross ice to Barnes at the top of the right. He fired into a crowd in front and the puck came back to Ryan McKellar at the top of the left circle. He cut to the middle past a would be shot blocker and rifled it top corner on the blocker side. The score was 2–1 after 20. Ayr doubled the lead with another power play goal 22 seconds into the middle frame. Barnes blasted a low shot from the left point. Austin Keleher was at the top of the blue ice as a screen and It hit his shin pad and came to Parsons at the top of the right circle. He sent a slapper 5 hole. Parsons got his second of the evening 3:26 later. While playing 4-on- 4 Brett Talbot carried down the left side until he reached the hashmarks. He sent it into the slot as Parsons arrived. He wristed a rocket under the defence’s stick and over the outstretched glove launching the water bottle in the process. This one prompted a goalie change as Chartrand was replaced by Blake Richard. Shots at the time were 28–17 in favour of Ayr. K.W. got their second power play goal of the night with 11:15 on the clock to draw within two. With 8:17 remaining Blair Krawchyk scored a highlight reel goal. McKellar rang it around the boards from the left point. Kane caught up with it in the right corner and battled two Siskins. Krawchyk swooped in to pick up the loose puck. He looked like he was going behind the net but pulled the puck out front and roofed it with a sweet backhander.
Ayr Centennials goalie Ethan Kowatsch deflects the puck during game six in Ayr against the K-W Siskins.
Again K.W. drew to within 2 by scoring a short-handed goal with 2:18 left. A puck flipped up the middle setting up a clear cut break. Kowatsch came out for a poke check but missed and K.W. sent it in a wide open net. The score was 5–3 after 40.
The Centennials held on to the slim two goal lead for 16:47 when the Siskins’ third power play goal of the evening cut the lead to one.
This year it seems more than in previous seasons the Cens have had more success holding onto the one goal lead when their opponent pulls their keeper for the extra attacker. That’s exactly what they did Wednesday. With 1:18 on the clock Richard left for the extra attacker. Kowatsch directed a shoot in to McKellar
in the corner. He rang it off the glass and it took a funny hop past the Siskins’ defence and Tyler Ward won the race to the puck wristing it in from the K.W. blue line. Final score was 6–4 after 60.
Centennials 0 - Siskins 6
The two game series lead the Centennials held on the K.W. Siskins has was erased as the Cens fell 6–0 in front of 754 fans Monday, March 11 at the NDCC.
After a scoreless first the Siskins offense exploded for five goals. Four of them in a 6:12 span. This in a period that was relatively even. The Cens offense had multiple opportunities but were thwarted by a red hot Siskins goaltender.
The Siskins added one more in the third despite the Cens having the majority of chances.
Photo by Jim Balkwill
Photo by Jim Balkwill
Ayr & District sports
First Shift hockey program coming to Ayr Minor Hockey
By Irene SchmIdt-Adeney
Ayr Minor Hockey (AMHA) is expecting up to 35 first-time hockey participants to be fitted head-to-toe with equipment provided by the First Shift hockey program when it comes to the North Dumfries Community Complex on Tuesday, March 26th.
“The First Shift program targets youth that have never played the sport of hockey before,” said AMHA President Brad Sayles. “Bauer supplies full equipment for all the participants that they can keep when the program is complete.”
Each participant receives 13 pieces of hockey equipment, including skates, a hockey stick, and a fitting, and instruction.
Participants must be between the ages of six and 10 (born between January 1, 2013 and May 1, 2018) and they can have no previous ice hockey experience.
The program is sponsored through a partner-
ship between Bauer, Hockey Canada, Hockey Canada Foundation, National Hockey League, and the National Hockey League Players Association.
AMHA Vice-President Chris Coleman applied for the program last summer, at a cost of $299, for its B Program. There is a capacity for approximately 35 participants.
“Providing we have enough volunteers,” said Coleman.
First Shift provides a one-hour, six-week program focussing on skating skills, puck-handling, passing and shooting exercises, basic motor movement patterns, and fun games.
“Praise and encouragement will serve as the foundation of the instructor’s approach to working with all participants,” according to the website.
After the fitting on Tuesday, March 26th, the program will begin on Saturday, April 6th.
Members of the Paris Figure Skating Club holding programs over the past 60 years – Back row, from left: Maya Darnbrough, Isabella Smith, Abbi MacDonald, Rochelle De Macedo, Shylah Watson. Front row, from left: Lily Zammit, Breanne Pike, Mallory Coulter (holding the 1964 program), Charlotte Black, Grace Black.
Paris Figure Skating Club prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary
By Irene SchmIdt-Adeney
From its humble beginnings in the 1963-1964 season with just two hours of ice time and one coach, 60 years later the Paris Figure Skating Club offers 15 hours of ice time over four days with eight coaches.
To celebrate its 60th anniversary, the club is holding a year-end gala at the Brant Sports Complex.
“Skaters from our club will perform routines that will recognize routines that were included in past carnivals or recognize various parts of the club’s history,” said President Lisa Campbell. “The alumni will participate in both shows with a social after the afternoon show.”
Since its inception, the club has doubled in size to a membership of 170 skaters. Three years after it formed, the club became a member of the Canadian Figure Skating Association which is now Skate Canada. Many skaters have represented the club at competitions over the years.
The late Robin Prine was the first skater from the Paris Figure Skating Club to pass the Canadian Gold Level test for free skate in 1983. He won many trophies and competitions locally and out-of-town. He later coached for the club before turning professional with the U.S.A. Ice Follies and skated all over the world in various shows including Walt
Disney’s World on Ice.
“Since that time, we have had 31 other skaters achieve this with one skater reaching this achievement this current skating season as well,” said Campbell.
The club is still looking for alumni to participate in the show.
“Alumni can either participate on the ice or off the ice,” said Campbell. For more information email the club at parisfigureskatingclub@live.ca.
Shows will be held at the Brant Sports Complex on Saturday, March 23 at 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The CanSkate show will be from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission is $5 per person for ages 10 and over.
Brant Hall of Fame inductee takes home three medals from Special Olympics
By Irene SchmIdt-Adeney
When Richard Ward of Paris is inducted into the Brant Hall of Fame later this year, he could be sporting three medals won in snowshoeing events at the Special Olympics held in Calgary from February 27 until March 2nd.
“[We are] so proud of him and all his amazing achievements,” said his sister Lisa Merner.
Ward took home a Gold medal in the 4 x 100-metre relay event along with team mates Gaerrisen Freeland of Kitchener and Eric Gervais of Sudbury. He won two Silver medals, one in the 100-metre race, and another in the 200-metre races. Ward also had a sixth place finish in the 400-metre race.
Ward trains five days a week and has been involved in the Special Olympics for about 25 years. He credits joining Special Olympics with making friends and learning to become a supportive teammate.
“Special Olympics has made me more confident in myself and gain more independence,” said Ward.
Ward attended the games in Thunder Bay in 2020, and then qualified for the World Games in Russia, but never got to attend. They were cancelled due to the pandemic and then were cancelled at the outbreak of the war between Russia and Ukraine.
The 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games are scheduled to take place in Italy.
Sunday, March 17 playoff results
A Division: 2M Accounting, 3 vs. Greenhaze, 2 (S.O.); Diversco, 2 vs. MacNeil & Dodd, 1.
B Division: Clintar, 7 vs. Ayr Financial, 4; East Side Mario’s, 4 vs. Kovacevic Homes, 2.
C Division: Iron Horse Financial, 7 vs. Breezewood, 6 (S.O.); Priority Mechanical, 4 vs. Hunke Construction, 0. Sunday, March 24 championship
playoff schedule
ACC: 6:00 p.m. Greenhaze vs. 2M - A Consolation; 7:00 p.m. East Side Mario’s vs. Kovacevic - B Consolation; 8:00 p.m. Breezewood vs. Priority - C Consolation.
NDCC: 7:30 p.m. Diversco vs. MacNeil & Dodd - A Championship; 8:30 p.m. Clintar vs. Ayr Financial - B Championship; 9:30 p.m. Hunke vs. Iron Horse - C Championship.
Richard Ward wearing his Gold medal for snowshoeing.
Photo provided.