2006 T2 Jr. Cougars defeat Finland BJR 3-2 in thrilling New Year's Eve game
On New Year’s Eve, the Jr. Cougars Tier 2 2006 team faced the Finland Jr. Blues
in a friendly exhibition game.
The Finland Jr. Blues were participating in a hockey tour of the area over the Christmas break, which included participating in a tournament. From the moment the teams hit the ice, you could feel the excitement in the building with lots of friends and families gathered in attendance for the game.
Following the national anthems, the stage was set for what promised to be a highlight for both teams in their young playing careers. The Jr. Cougars got off to a quick start scoring 1st. Burlington goalie Green frustrated the Fins as they surged in the early stages of the game. It didn’t take long for Finland to respond with one of their own. With lots of pressure the visitors then jumped ahead scoring early in the second period to take a 2-1 lead.
After some solid end to end action it wasn’t until the third period that Burlington was able to equalize with their sniper Scanzano beating the Finnish netminder over the shoulder short side, making it 2-2.
With time running out late in the third period and Burlington short-handed, Finland was pressing hard for the win. Entering the last minute of the game, Burlington managed to catch Finland off guard with a quick pass by Scanzano across the goal mouth where the Cougars' Kennedy buring a rising backhand shot to narrowly edge out the visiting team from Ospoo, Finland. The last minute of the game was action packed as Finland looked for the equalizer, but Cougars goalie McCarthy, locked up the Burlington net in the second half of the game and turned away the late efforts.
Following the game both teams lined up on the blue lines, shook hands and exchanged souvenirs. Everyone enjoyed the great life experience playing in a truly international game.
A New Year’s event they’ll remember for years to come.