Mountaineers capture Crombie Cup despite loss in potential playoff preview

Jul. 5

Matt Caruk (OJLL)

The Crombie Cup is awarded annually to the season series winner between the Toronto Beaches and Mimico Mountaineers. On Wednesday, the Beaches won 10-7, but by way of the 17-9 first meeting in June the Mountaineers claim their eighth Crombie Cup.

With both teams tied for fourth with 10 wins on the season, this was likely a first-round playoff preview. Beaches were already up 2-0 when Justin Lee scored his thirtieth goal of the season, on the power play. The Beaches answered with a goal 27 seconds later, Sheldon Broughton’s first in the OJLL. Mimico’s first of three penalties in the period led to a goal another 27 seconds later. Lucas Dudemaine answered with two goals to move him past the 30 mark, but Beaches led 5-3 after the first period.

The teams combined for 37 minutes of penalties in the second period, including a five minute major to Mimico. On the major power play, Willem Firth scored twice, giving him 45 for the second straight season, and his Beaches a 7-4 lead.

Toronto’s other prolific scorer, Matt Collison, scored his lone goal of the night but forty-seventh of the year early in the third. Another Mountaineers’ major penalty only resulted in a Jackson Webster power play goal, but also a shorthanded marker by CJ Kirst. Justin Lee and Finlay Thomson finished the game with Mimico power play goals to help close the 10-7 gap, winning Beaches the game, but Mimico the Crombie Cup.

Willem Firth led the Beaches with seven points (3 goals, 4 assists). He sits third in the OJLL in points (98) and goals (45). Also with seven points was Mimico’s Finn Thomson (2 goals, 5 assists) to stretch his league points lead to 109, five more than Orangeville’s Koleton Marquis.

The Toronto Beaches improve to 11-7 into sole possession of fourth place. They’ll play their final two games at home Thursday against the Oakville Buzz (12-6) and at the ILA July 9 against the Six Nations Arrows (6-11).

Mimico’s will play their final three games on consecutive nights, starting at home against Six Nations July 8, in Brampton (7-11) July 9 and in Peterborough (4-14) July 10.