STUTOMMIES.COM

Tommies add forward Kelty Apperson

noreply@blogger.com (STUTOMMIES.COM) — Sat, 12 May 2012 12:01:00 +0000

Courtesy SFMHL

Kelty Apperson of Wilcox, Saskatchewan will be suiting up for the Green and Gold this fall when they hit the ice at the new Grant*Harvey Center. A skilled forward Kelty was third on her team this year with 36 points and will be leaned on to help charge the Tommies offense.

From GoTommies.com, "Kelty Apperson feels St. Thomas will be a great fit for her. The five-foot-eight Saskatchewan native played for the Notre Dame Hounds where she was an Assistant Captain and contributed to back-to-back provincial championships and the 2011 National Midget Championship, the Esso Cup. She was named to the Saskatchewan Female AAA all-star team during her time there. She’s also excelled in soccer and lacrosse."

“Kelty comes from a winning program and shows great speed to accompany her size,” said Coach Peter Murphy. “She has a quick release and will force teams to respect her as a threat. Her great character and personality were evident on her tour and we look forward to great things from her both this year and as we move forward to Nationals in 2014."

Kelty's SMFHL Stats

WOMEN’S HOCKEY: TOMMIES ADD SKILL AND LEADERSHIP TO A STRONG ROSTER FOR 2012-2013

Versatile forward Emily Francis added to Tommies Roster

noreply@blogger.com (STUTOMMIES.COM) — Sat, 12 May 2012 12:01:00 +0000

Courtesy PWHL

Emily Francis of Barrie, Ontario has been announced as another top recruit for the St. Thomas women's hockey team. Emily was the Captain of her Midget AAA Barrie Sharks this past year in their inaugural season. She led the team in scoring and was an important veteran presence on a young, inexperienced team.

From GoTommies.com "Emily Francis, another multi-sport athlete, hailing from Barrie, Ontario where she was a part of championship teams in both hockey and soccer.

"Everything fell into place with St. Thomas and I have a good feeling about it,” she said. “The small size really attracted me and I've always wanted to go east. With the new rink, I can't wait to get on the ice with the team and begin my time as a Tommie. It may be far, but I know it will be worth it.”

She’ll add depth to the Tommies as a versatile forward. "Emily is a speedy centre who can also play wing. She has good size and great vision on the ice,” said Murphy. “She is a two-way player, but has an offensive side that will benefit the green and gold this year. I made several trips to watch her play and feel this player has a tremendous upside.”

Emily's PWHL Stats

Francis Heads East - Barrie Examiner

WOMEN’S HOCKEY: TOMMIES ADD SKILL AND LEADERSHIP TO A STRONG ROSTER FOR 2012-2013

Forward Emily Ryan commits to Tommies

noreply@blogger.com (STUTOMMIES.COM) — Sat, 12 May 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Courtesy SFMHL

Wilcox Saskatchewan native Emily Ryan will be wearing St. Thomas green and gold next season. After being named to the SFMHL all-star this season, Ryan was tied for fourth on her team in scoring. She will join fellow Saskatchewan league all-star Kelty Apperson in Fredericton to play for the Tommies.

From GoTommies.com, "Emily Ryan enters STU after two solid seasons playing Midget AAA in Saskatchewan as a member of the Weyburn Southern Range Gold Wings. The five-foot-nine forward will add more size to a front end that averages a height of five-foot-seven."

"She’s a gritty forward with speed from the Sask Midget AAA league,” said Coach Peter Murphy. “She missed a few games early in the season rehabbing an injury, but came back very strong averaging nearly a point per game. She will be a great asset to the team in increasing both our size and speed as well as bringing some additional finish to the Tommies. We are very pleased to have her coming in this year."

“I’m looking forward to playing CIS hockey in the AUS conference,” said Ryan. “The opportunity to combine excellent academic opportunities and my passion for hockey is a dream come true.”

Emily's SFMHL Stats

Ryan Commits to St. Thomas

WOMEN’S HOCKEY: TOMMIES ADD SKILL AND LEADERSHIP TO A STRONG ROSTER FOR 2012-2013

Tommies add sound defense with Eliza Snider

noreply@blogger.com (STUTOMMIES.COM) — Sat, 12 May 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Eliza Snider, right. Courtesy Chris Colbourne/St.Albert Gazette

When the Tommies hit the ice this fall they will have one of the best defense corps in the AUS and Eliza Snider is going to be a key replacement for graduating veteran Kathleen Boyle. Snider is a hard worker and her leadership, even as a rookie, will help STU towards their goal of an AUS Championship.

From GoTommies.com "At five-foot-four defencewoman, Eliza Snider comes out of the St. Albert Slash Midget AAA program in Alberta where she was team captain last season.

"Eliza being the captain of a great program speaks volumes for the type of player we are getting,” said head coach Peter Murphy. “She played in all key situations for her team and matched up against the opposition's top players on a regular basis. She makes a great first pass and smart decisions on the blue line. She will be a great asset to the Tommies’ blue line."

Snider was named to the Alberta Major Midget Female Hockey League’s all-star game roster twice, to Team Alberta Top 46 Under-18 team from 2010-2012, and also showed her athleticism by competing in rugby as well.

“I chose St Thomas University for the academic and athletic opportunities it presents in a small environment,” said Snider. “I knew when I stepped on campus that this was the school for me. Everyone was friendly and welcoming and the sense of family was apparent everywhere.”

St Albert Slash Stats

WOMEN’S HOCKEY: TOMMIES ADD SKILL AND LEADERSHIP TO A STRONG ROSTER FOR 2012-2013

Concussions end Matt Eagles' playing days with Tommies

noreply@blogger.com (STUTOMMIES.COM) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 10:56:00 +0000

Most of you had probably heard the news yesterday that Tommies captain Matt Eagles has had to make the tough decision to stop playing hockey. After a few too many knocks to the head the 24 year old forward and former Moncton Wildcat is going to call it a career. A full in-depth story can be found here: Concussions end Tommies captain Matt Eagles hockey career

We would like to thank Matt for the three years he has spent with the Tommies and wish him all the best. Matt is currently finishing off his degree at St. Thomas and plans on going into medicine when he completes his undergrad. Best of luck to a great hockey player, Tommie, and person. I think everybody would agree you are making the right decision. BEST OF LUCK AND THANKS FROM TOMMIE FANS EVERYWHERE.

Tommies hand out year end awards

noreply@blogger.com (STUTOMMIES.COM) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 09:56:00 +0000

The St. Thomas Tommies men' and women's hockey teams were presented their annual team awards last night at the annual STU Athletics banquet. Of note was Kayla Blackmore receiving team MVP and the Cathy Wadden Commitment award for the female student-athlete who best represents the student-athlete ideal in balancing her academic, volunteer and athletic pursuits. Rookies were the story for the men's team, picking up all the awards except MVP, which was given - rightfully so - to Charles Lavigne. It was also confirmed that Lavigne will be pursuing his pro hockey career next season and will not be returning to the Tommies. Best of luck to Charlie and congratulations to the award winners and graduating players.

Men’s hockey 2011-12 winners

MVP: Charlie Lavigne

Rookie of the year: Co-winners, Steve Sanza and Jonathan Bonneau

Unsung hero: Robert Zandbeek

Best defenceman: Felix-Antoine Poulin

Most sportsmanlike: John MacDonald

Women's hockey 2011-12 winners

MVP: Kayla Blackmore

Rookie of the year: Danielle Miller

Most improved: Carly Critch

Best defensive player: Courtney Fox

Lady Tommies finish season with OT win

noreply@blogger.com (STUTOMMIES.COM) — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 02:24:00 +0000

Courtney Fox, Kayla Blackmore, Katie Brewster and
Paige MacDonald celebrate the OT winner.
Courtesy Richard Lafourtune

The St. Thomas Tommies finished their 2011-12 hockey season just as it started, with a 2 to 1 overtime victory over the Mount Allison Mounties. Back on October 15th Renata Mastna finished off Mt. A, tonight it was Courtney Fox with the OT winner.

After last nights defeat to Moncton, the Tommies really needed to win by several goals to have any hope of advancing to Sunday's final. A well rested Mounties team had different plans. Mt. A out shot STU 15 to 3 in the first period, as Julia Sharun was called upon time after time to keep STU in the game.

The past two games that St. Thomas has played have been at the Dalhousie Memorial Arena and both have seen the Tommies score zero goals. Tonight the Ladies broke through. Katie Brewster (Fox) roofed one at 13:36 on the powerplay to give STU the lead, which they held for the rest of the period. Shots favoured the Mounties 14 to 6 in the second.

STU had a few chances in the third on powerplays but nothing got by all-star Meagan Corley-Byrne. The Tommies held the lead until late when MT A was forced to pull their goalie. Cassidy McTaggart had an opportune chance to score into an empty net but narrowly missed. On the resulting rush back up the ice Courtney King of the Mounties would bang one by Sharun to tie the game with 54 seconds to play.

The Tommies would have a chance with a few seconds left in regulation but were denied. MT A. did take a penalty on the play and were assessed a 2 minute minor at the 20 minute mark of the third. Of course this penalty carried over into overtime.

St. Thomas would respond promptly. Playing 4 on 3 in the extra period, Courtney Fox would get by a Mountie penalty killer high in the zone and skate in close enough to fire one past the goalie for the overtime winner. Paige MacDonald picked up the assist on the goal. Tommies WIN.

Since Mount Allison forced overtime, it denies the Tommies any chance of advancing to Sunday's championship game, so St. Thomas ends their season with a win.

It was an entertaining season of hockey with the Ladies and we look forward to a strong recruiting class and the promise of next year's successes.

Blackmore and Miller receive AUS honours

noreply@blogger.com (STUTOMMIES.COM) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 22:37:00 +0000

Atlantic University Sport announced their 2011-12 Women's Hockey awards this morning in Halifax and two Tommies garnered honours.

KAYLA BLACKMORE - 2011-12 AUS STUDENT-ATHLETE
COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD WINNER and ALL-STAR
Courtesy Dylan Buell

Kayla Blackmore of Lincoln, NB was named a 2nd team all-star and STUDENT-ATHLETE COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD recipient. Captain Blackmore led STU in every major offensive category and plus/minus with 16 goals, 14 assists for 30 points and a +12. This is the second year in a row that Kayla has picked up a major award, as last year she was the leagues Most Sportsmanlike Player recipient.

From the AUS site "The Student-Athlete Community Service Award honours the individual who best combines academics, athletics and community involvement.

St. Thomas forward Kayla Blackmore, also named a second team AUS all-star today, is a three-time Academic all-Canadian who has maintained a cumulative 3.94 GPA over the past four years and is the recipient of the Dr. Tony Rhinelander Nature of History Prize for commitment to the field of history and research.

On top of her academic and athletic commitments she finds time to work part time at the university gym and volunteer as a youth hockey coach. She is a leader on her team and was previously named the 2010-11 AUS most sportsmanlike player.

Blackmore is the first Tommies player to receive this award and will now represent the conference as the AUS nominee for the CIS Marion Hilliard Award."

Saskatoon's Dani Miller was named to the
AUS ALL_ROOKIE TEAM.
Courtesy Dylan Buell

First year Tommies forward Danielle Miller was named to the AUS ALL-ROOKIE TEAM. Miller, a Saskatoon, Saskatchewan native, was second in team scoring registering 8 goals and 13 assists for 21 points and had a +8 +/-. Dani was a strong presence on the ice at all times and we look forward to seeing her in Green and Gold for many years to come.

Congratulations to our Lady Tommies.

AUS Story and STU Athletics Story

Tommies in must win position today

noreply@blogger.com (STUTOMMIES.COM) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 10:58:00 +0000

St. Thomas' women's hockey team continues in their quest for an AUS title tonight when they take on #3 Mount Allison at 7 PM. The Mounties and Tommies split the season series two games apiece with STU winning 2 to 1 in overtime at the LBR - the game where STU lost Kayla Blackmore to injury and the rest of the team stepped up to win - and 3 to 1 in Sackville. Mt A. won their two games 4 to 1.

Mount Allison is good, don't under estimate them. Check out their stats HERE.

The AUS awards and all-stars will be announced this morning at their annual breakfast banquet. Look for Kayla Blackmore to get an all-star selection and rookie Danielle Miller to be named to the all-rookie team. Blackmore should get some consideration for MVP but will probably fall short to Alex Normore of St-FX.

Good luck to our Tommies.

U de M defeat toothless Tommies

noreply@blogger.com (STUTOMMIES.COM) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 01:20:00 +0000

Julia Sharun faced 48 shots and was the Tommies
first star versus Les Aigles Bleues.
Courtesy Richard Lafourtune

Paced by a four goal outburst in the third period, the U de M Aigles Bleues defeat the Tommies 5 to 0. The Dalhousie Memorial Arena has not been kind to St. Thomas this season, as STU has not scored here in over 6 periods of play.

Moncton out shot the Tommies 48 to 19 this evening. Johannie Thibeault lead Moncton with four points. Julia Sharun was her usual brilliant self in net and was the Tommies player of the game.

STU will need to have a real good gut check tonight and put this game to rest, refocus, and prepare for Mount Allison tomorrow night at 7 PM. Let's Go Tommies!

Lady Tommies begin playoffs tonight

noreply@blogger.com (STUTOMMIES.COM) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 11:02:00 +0000

The Lady Tommies head to Dalhousie Memorial Arena this weekend to compete in the AUS Women's Hockey Championship entering the tournament as the fifth seed. The round robin begins this afternoon with the host Dalhousie Tigers playing the St-FX X-Women and continues at 7 PM when Fredericton's own St. Thomas Tommies take on the U de M Aigles Bleues. You can watch the game LIVE HERE.

The Tommies are in Pool B and will draw both inter-provincial rivals - Moncton and Mount Allison. Moncton is on a 5 game losing streak coming out of the regular season but rest assured they are going to be coming out looking to pay the Tommies back for two overtime losses in the second half. They should also be getting back their best defender in Genevieve David, who's absence was felt in a big way and who will likely be getting a conference all-star nod today.

In years gone bye Mount Allison didn't have great teams, I could elaborate but it isn't necessary. Not this year. The Mounties finished third in the conference and completed the season on a seven game run which included a win against every team in the AUS. They are tough and their goaltender Meagan Corley-Byrne is the last line of defense for this hard working, skilled team.

The Tommies are led by sniper and team Captain Kayla Blackmore and the other teams in the league know it. Kayla gets that extra special attention that good players do. This is where the Brewster's, MacIsaac's, and Miller's (x2) etc. need to find a way to generate some secondary scoring in the forward ranks and our D needs to unload some big shots. Of course we have our ace in the hole with Julia Sharun in net.

Good luck STU, bring it home.

2011-12 STU Tommies season stats.

Tommies play Moncton in first playoff contest

noreply@blogger.com (STUTOMMIES.COM) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 10:51:00 +0000

The Tommies start their play-off push Thursday night vs. Moncton. All games will be broadcast on SSN Canada.

AUS Women's Hockey Championship information

Tigers defeat Tommies 4 to 0

noreply@blogger.com (STUTOMMIES.COM) — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 20:09:00 +0000

Final T formation at the DMA
Courtesy Richard Lafourtune

After their dramatic overtime win against Moncton on Friday night, the Lady Tommies came out flat versus Dalhousie this afternoon in Halifax. The Tigers held period leads of 2 - 0 after the first, 3 - 0 after the second, and your final 4 - 0. Kristin Wolfe was tagged with the loss in the STU net.

St. Thomas will head back to Halifax this week for the AUS women's hockey playoff tournament and start on Thursday night at 7 PM versus arch rival Moncton. Good luck to our Lady Tommies.

TOMMIES LEAVE LBR IN STYLE WITH OT WIN

noreply@blogger.com (STUTOMMIES.COM) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 03:11:00 +0000

Caley Steinert and Kayla Blackmore celebrate the final goal in STU Tommies LBR Hockey history.
Courtesy Dylan Buell

THE LADY TOMMIES DID IT!! In the final game at the LBR for STU Hockey the Ladies defeated the UdeM Aigles Bleues 2 to 1 in overtime. Caley Steinert with a brilliant end to end rush closed down STU's time at the LBR in exciting fashion. Julia Sharun was phenomenal in the STU goal.

Kayla Blackmore ties the game for STU.
Courtesy Dyaln Buell

The first two periods were scoreless in this tight match. Neither Moncton nor St. Thomas were willing to blink and both goaltenders did their part in keeping the game tied at zeroes. Shots after two periods favoured UdM 20 to 17.

Moncton received an early powerplay in the third when Paige MacDonald was sent to the box for tripping and M-P Arseneault scored seven seconds later at 0:27 to give Les Aigles the 1 - 0 lead. Things looked grim but the Tommies were not going to have their night end with a loss. You could see the fight in every stride, every move.

The crowd was anxious for a Tommies goal and Kayla Blackmore (Scott, J. Miller) delivered at 7:59 to tie the game and reenergize the Tommies faithful.

U de M had a breakaway with less than 2 minutes to play but Julia Sharun was up to the task and shut the door to force overtime.

You could feel the electricity in the final overtime at the LBR and we didn't wait long for an amazing rush to finish the game with a victory for STU.

Caley Steinert just about to end the LBR days in style.
Courtesy Dylan Buell

Caley Steinert picked up the puck in the STU end and raced down the right wing side, cut to the net, out waiting the goalie and potting the winner for the Tommies 47 seconds into OT. The bench and the LBR erupted as the Ladies bid farewell to the LBR with the WIN. (See the highlight below)

The Tommies clinch 5th spot in the AUS and will head to Halifax on Sunday to play their final game of the regular season versus Dalhousie.

THANK YOU LADIES, YOU MADE ALL OF US VERY PROUD!! CALEY STEINERT with the final goal for STU at the LBR!!

IT'S GOOD, TOMMIES WIN - TOMMIES WIN!!
Courtesy Dylan Buell

Update:

The winning goal, OT Winner, and final STU goal in LBR history, from Tommies TV:

Tommies get critical win against SMU

noreply@blogger.com (STUTOMMIES.COM) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 23:14:00 +0000

Cassidy McTaggart on the doorstep
looking for a rebound against SMU.
Courtesy Richard Lafourtune

Thanks to a pair of third period goals by Dani Miller, the Lady Tommies pulled out a 4 to 2 victory over last place Saint Mary's this afternoon in Halifax. You have to give credit to the Huskies, as they stuck with the Tommies for most of the game.

SMU opened up the scoring at 5:28 of the first period on a goal by Kaitlyn Abbass. STU responded late in the period on the powerplay when Courtney Fox (MacIsaac) potted her third of the season at 18:46. Shots were close at 14 to 12 for STU.

The Tommies took the lead just over a minute into the second frame as Katie Brewster (McTaggart, MacIsaac) scored her 10th of the campaign. The Huskies evened things up with 4 seconds to go in the period, beating Julia Sharun with a powerplay marker of their own. With the score even heading into the final frame, STU had to come out gunning. Cue Dani Miller.

In the third it was Miller time. Dani scored early, 54 seconds into the period assisted by Captain Blackmore and again at 3:14 unassisted to give the Tommies the eventual 2 goal margin of victory.

Final shots on goal were 36 to 29 for St. Thomas and Julia Sharun picked up her ninth win of the season. The victory moves STU two points up on Dalhousie for fifth and three back of UPEI for fourth with two games remaining.

Next game for the Ladies will be their LBR swan song as they take on Moncton Friday night at 7 PM.

X-Women defeat STU 3 to 1

noreply@blogger.com (STUTOMMIES.COM) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 21:07:00 +0000

The Tommies dropped a 3 to 1 decision this afternoon to the St-FX X-Women in Antigonish. Danielle Miller from Brewster and Blackmore scored STU's lone goal at 13:34 of the second period on the powerplay.

X held period leads of 2 to 0 after one, 3 to 1 after two. There were no goals scored in the third. The Tommies had 9 chances on the PP and only converted once. Julia Sharun was solid in the STU net. Shots were 29 - 26 for X.

With the loss and Dalhousie's surprising late comeback win over Moncton this afternoon, the Tommies find themselves tied with the Tigers for 5th in the standings but have two games in hand.

STU heads to Halifax for a 2 PM start against the SMU Huskies tomorrow. No webcast is available for this game.

Grant*Harvey Centre UPDATE

noreply@blogger.com (STUTOMMIES.COM) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 12:47:00 +0000

The new home of the St. Thomas Tommies hockey clubs is really coming along well. A June completion date is looking probable and work is moving along on schedule. The ice surfaces were a few weeks away from the concrete being poured back on February 7th but will be done soon. Check out the photos below.

St. Thomas falls to Mounties

noreply@blogger.com (STUTOMMIES.COM) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 22:44:00 +0000

Kayla Blackmore whacks home STU's only goal.
Photo Courtesy Dylan Buell

Although the Tommies outshot the Mounties and arguably held much of the play, they came out on the wrong side of a 4 to 1 decision to Mount Allison. Turnabout is fair play, as STU defeated Mt. A a few weeks ago by the same score in their barn.

This afternoon Kayla Blackmore (D. Miller, J. Miller) scored the lone goal for the Tommies at 14:05 of the first. The Mounties would score three in the 2nd period and one late in the third to secure the victory.

Shots were 37 to 30 for STU, as Julia Sharun was tagged with the loss.

The Tommies hit the road next weekend and face off against Saint Mary’s and St-FX before returning to the LBR for their final game against Moncton on the 24th.

Season ends on HDIC with loss to Panthers

noreply@blogger.com (STUTOMMIES.COM) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 04:05:00 +0000

In AUS men's hockey action at Summerside this afternoon the UPEI Panthers scored 3 PP goals to defeat the Tommies 5-0. The game was part of the Hockey Day in Canada celebrations, although the Tommies had little to celebrate. The Panthers scored two in the 1st and three in the 3rd while out shooting the Tommies 31-29. Justin Collier played 32:28 allowing 2 goals with Charles Lavigne going the final 27:32.

And so another Tommies season has come to an end and although we failed to make the play-offs for the 4th year in a row, we did witness improvement in a number of areas which gives us great hope for the coming years. This year's team has made us believers once again and by their on ice play a determined desire to turn this program around....and so congratulations to the coaching staff and players for a job well done.....we look forward to the 2012-13 season with great anticipation.

We wish to express our sincere thanks to each of our guys for a super season and in particular to our graduating Tommies (Charles Lavigne, Brad Gallant, Bryan Main, Jordan Scott & Andrew Andricopoulos) for their outstanding & exceptional contributions to Tommies Hockey. We wish each of them all the best in your future endeavours....."Once a Tommie, always a Tommie"

Game write up Courtesy Harold DeCourcey

Goodbye LBR. 47 years of history ends in OT

noreply@blogger.com (STUTOMMIES.COM) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 04:12:00 +0000

Charles Lavigne getting set before the game.
Courtesy Dylan Buell

Rum Row was packed. The PA system was muffled but loud. The crowd was big and there was a warmth in the old rink that hadn't been felt in years, maybe almost a playoff feeling. The 2011-2012 Tommies fought to the bitter end and while the outcome was a 4 - 3 overtime loss to our long time rival Moncton, it was a great game nevertheless.

After all the formalities were done and former Tommies from the past 50 years left the ice, it was U de M who came out gunning. In the first 65 seconds Les Aigles scored two goals and everyone was thinking the worst. But the old ghosts that haunt the LBR and a timeout called by Coach Ryan helped to settle down this young bunch of Tommies.

Chris Morehouse scored STU's first goal.
Courtesy Dylan Buell

Chris Morehouse, who has great ties to the Beav, scored at 3:44 to get the crowd back into the game and STU on the score sheet. Bryan Main and Steve Sanza drew the assists. The first period would end with St. Thomas down a goal at 2 to 1.

The Tommies would draw even when the Moncton goalie got caught out of his net and Sebastien Bernier scored into the yawning cage at 5:13. STU mounted a heavy attack in the second period but couldn't find the go ahead goal, hitting the cross bar twice. Moncton would score at 18:13 - on a shot that fooled Charles Lavigne - and would take the one goal lead into the third.

Charles Lavigne was amazing in the STU net tonight.
Courtesy Dylan Buell

Les Aigles were assessed a 2 minute bench minor at the end of the second period and the Tommies would score on the resulting powerplay early in the third. Yuri Cheremetiev from Bonneau and Bernier tapped home a centering pass at 2:00 to tie the game. Charles Lavigne was the difference for the remainder of the period foiling Moncton on several opportunities that seemed like sure goals.

It justed seemed fitting, extra time in the final game. Overtime saw STU with several chances for the winner but the puck just wouldn't go. Eric Faille scored the final goal at the LBR at 8:38 and ended a great night of hockey.

I could probably write another 100 paragraphs but not tonight. Goodbye old friend, thanks for being part of St. Thomas hockey for so many years. You will be missed. The 2011-2012 Tommies were a lucky bunch to be the final STU team to play at such a great rink, so much character, so many memories.

Tommies see faint playoff hopes flicker out, prepare to say goodbye to LBR

noreply@blogger.com (STUTOMMIES.COM) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:42:00 +0000

Kyell Henegan and Felix Poulin chase down the puck
during action against UNB last night.
Courtesy Dylan Buell

Come with us as we turn back the clock to February 12th, 2011. Imagine, as the Tommies leave the LBR ice following a 6-3 loss to St. F-X, that we told you the Tommies would still be in the playoff hunt with 3 games to play this season. You might call us crazy. If you're a Tommies fan, you'd certainly be pleased at the possibility.

Sure enough, that is the position in which St. Thomas found itself tonight, entering Game #26 against the hated Squirrels. Unfortunately, the Squirrels won 5-0, officially eliminating the Tommies from contention. Charles Lavigne was valiant in goal, facing 46 shots.

Now, it's not all wine, roses and puppy dogs by any stretch. The Tommies have 5 wins on the season, just two more than last year, with 2 games to play. A major reason STU was still in the hunt so late was thanks to St. F-X's underwhelming season. But we were in the hunt nonetheless. And there's one thing around this team that wasn't necessarily there one year ago. Hope. We've seen good reason for it. Coach Troy Ryan has instilled a new culture. Fine rookie performances from the likes of Stephen Sanza, Felix Poulin and Jonathan Bonneau. Improved team discipline. A brand new, state of the art building is coming. There is hope, Tommie Nation.

This season is not yet over. The Tommies still have two games to go this weekend, including one as big as any this Friday night against Moncton, as the Tommies Men will say farewell to the LBR, those hard bench seats, its sometimes insufficient heat, the Great White Wall, Rum Row, and years and years of wonderful memories. If there is one game you attend this season, make it Friday night. Let's pack that old barn and say goodbye by cheering our Tommies on to one final victory.

And keep the hope alive.

Daily Gleaner, VIA UNB Athletics - Reds put run to Tommies
The AQ - ‘They’re the least of our worries;’ Battle of the hill losing streak continues for Tommies

Tommies clinch playoff berth with victory over SMU

noreply@blogger.com (STUTOMMIES.COM) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 20:48:00 +0000

With a 5 - 1 win over the SMU Huskies this afternoon at the LBR, the Lady Tommies have clinched a playoff spot and gained an important two points in the standings. Captain Kayla Blackmore led the Tommies with a two goal performance.

St. Thomas got things rolling early as Katie Brewster (McTaggart, MacIssac) scored at 1:27 on a two on one rush with Cassidy McTaggart. STU had several other chances in the first period but had to settle for the one goal lead, outshooting the Huskies 7 to 2.

Kayla Blackmore scored on a breakaway with a nifty backhander past Bria Sharkey at 3:05 with an assist to Jordan Miller. At 16:32 Paige MacDonald (Fox) scored from the point with a seeing eye goal to make it 3 - 0 for STU. Shots in the second frame favoured the Tommies 14 - 5 as they dominated the majority of the period.

In the third period STU put the game out of reach with goals from Kayla Blackmore (Fox, Brewster) on the PP at 5:33 and Carly Critch (Bohn, Mastna) at 13:01. Saint Mary's scored on the PP at 9:03 to break Julia Sharun's shut out bid.

Rookies MacDonald and Critch each scored their first goal for the Green and Gold. The Tommies sit one point back of UPEI for 4th place and three back of Mount Alison, who defeated St-FX 3 to 2 this afternoon in Antigonish. STU's next game will be next Sunday against the Mounties at the LBR.

Tommies keep playoff hopes alive with win over X-Men

noreply@blogger.com (STUTOMMIES.COM) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 03:23:00 +0000

If you missed the final matchup of STU vs. ST-FX at the old LBR, well sorry for you, because you missed a dandy. Tonight's game had a little of everything - scoring, hat tricks, penalty shots, and rough stuff - with STU coming out on top 6 to 3.

The X-Men and Tommies were both desperate for a win tonight and their play showed it. STU was on the board first at 3:56 when Steve Sanza (Cameron, Bonneau) hammered home a one-timer to get the game rolling. X replied late in the first when Brennan Wray just barely snuck one by Charles Lavigne in the STU net. Period ended tied at 1's.

Jordan Scott (Poulin, Cheremetiev) scored on a rebound, as the Tommies retook the lead at 5:21 of the second, but X replied on the powerplay to tie the game again at 11:20. It stayed that way heading to the third when things would get interesting.

With the playoffs on the line the Tommies came out hard in the final period. Andrew Andricopoulos (Poulin, Sanza) fired a laser beam from just inside the blueline to retake the lead. Jonathan Bonneau (Sanza, Poulin) would stretch the lead at 8:27 when he rushed down the left wing side and fired a shot that Joseph Perricone bobbled right into the net.

St-FX replied back a minute and five seconds later to make the score close again at 4 to 3 but Jonathan Bonneau (Cameron, Van Laren) gobbled up a greasy rebound on a 2 on 1 with Randy Cameron to regain the two goal cushion.

The fun really started at 15:39 as Jonathan Bonneau was awarded a penalty shot. Bonneau would deposit the puck five hole for the hat trick and a three goal lead. This seemed to be the trigger as X brought the dirt shortly after.

With 2:25 to go in the game Chris Morehouse found himself in front of Perricone, who immediately took exception to his presence, and started swinging. After 70 minutes of penalties were handed out, none for fighting, the Tommies were awarded a powerplay.

The peace was short lived as Scott Brannon ran Jordan Scott over and Andrew Andricopoulos, who isn't known for his fighting presence, immediately stepped up to defend his teammate. Not long after Kyell Henegan came in for a piece of the action as well. All of this took place at 18:07 and another 43 minutes of penalties were handed out. STU had a two man PP for most of the last 1:53.

Troy Ryan called a time out, settled the troops, and must have told them to play out the third without embarrasing the X-Men, as STU didn't even attempt to shoot the puck on net.

With the win the Tommies sweep the season series with X and pull four points back of them for the final playoff spot in the AUS. It really was a less than stellar showing for St-FX and their disappointment/frustration got the better of them tonight. Lets leave it at that.

Huskies blowout Tommies

noreply@blogger.com (STUTOMMIES.COM) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 02:03:00 +0000

In their final game at the LBR the Saint Mary's Huskies defeated the Tommies 8 to 2. The Huskies held period leads of 2 - 0, 4 - 1, and your final of 8 - 2.

Randy Cameron (Reich, Gallant) capitialized on a powerplay late in the second and Christian Morin (Van Laren, Scott), also on the powerplay, scored STU's goals.

The St-FX X-Men make their final appearnce at the Beav tomorrow night at 7 PM. The game will be live on Tommies TV.

Panthers top Tommies in playoff style battle

noreply@blogger.com (STUTOMMIES.COM) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 23:32:00 +0000

Dani Miller scored the lone STU goal in today's
2 to 1 defeat against UPEI.
Courtesy Dylan Buell

The St. Thomas Lady Tommies headed to Alberton, PEI this afternoon in search of a big win versus the UPEI Panthers. Unfortunately it didn't go as planned, as the Panthers dispatched the Tommies 2 to 1.

UPEI scored a powerplay marker in the first and second period to account for both of their goals. The Tommies answered late in the third period at 19:51 when Dani Miller connected with the extra skater on the ice for STU. Final shots were 21 - 17 for PEI.

With the win the Panthers move three points ahead of St. Thomas for third position in the AUS and the Tommies slip to fifth, as the Mount Alison Mounties forced U de M to a shoot out to gain a valuable point, moving them into sole possession of fourth.

The Tommies will face the Saint Mary's Huskies next Sunday at 2 PM. Of course Randy Corey will have the play by play on Tommies TV.