(photo credit: Michael Fines)
by Bill McLean
Looking for a dominant junior hockey team to watch in Halifax?
Ladies and gentleman…… I give you the Metro Marauders.
I’m sure Marauders Head Coach and General Manager, Troy Ryan, would implore us to hold off on any such salutations.
But after reeling off five wins in a row to begin the MJHL season, you can hardly blame Metro fans for being a little giddy about the team’s hot start to the 2010/11 season.
The Marauders made easy work of the Dieppe Commandos tonight at the Dartmouth Sportsplex, improving to ten points in the standings, six ahead of their nearest competitors.
The Marauders have outscored their opponents 24-9 so far this season. The only possible blemish for the team has been a 7-6 loss to Bridgewater, which was overturned this week by the league due to a rules infraction by the Lumberjacks.
It’s good times for Ryan and the Marauders.
In a week where the team bid adieu to President Matt Hill and talented but troubled forward Kyle Dilosa, the Marauders have easily stayed on course, outplaying their opponents in every facet of the game.
On Friday night at the Plex, the Marauders had four different players score to pace the team to a 4-1 victory over the Commandos. Former Yarmouth Mariner, John Hubley, tapped in a rebound to tie the game in the first period. Brad Macdonald scored the game winner early in the second, followed by a short handed goal by Chris Riguse to give the Metros all the separation they would need.
Wayne Bedecki rounded out the scoring in the third period to seal the win. MJHL scoring leader, Justin Belanger, tallied two assists to boost his points total to an even ten.
The next Marauders home game is Friday, September 24th vs. the Miramichi Timberwolves. Game time from the Dartmouth Sportsplex is 7:00.
Metro Notes:Tanner Manson was assessed a 5 minute minor and game misconduct for a hit from behind on the Commando’s Jordan Court in the second period…..Commandos are really going to struggle to score this season. They had several chances but just couldn’t finish…..decent crowd at the Plex tonight, attendance announced at 480…..I love the Sportsplex, but the automatic locked doors up until 30 minutes before game time has to go……
Wayne Bedecki is a great 20 year old for the Marauders. Great special teams player who is putting up some points in the early going…..Troy Ryan has officially closed the book on the
Kyle Dilosa era, he will not dress for the Marauders again. Dilosa had been in and out of Ryan’s doghouse throughout his time with the team……looks like we have our first BIG game of the season. This Wednesday the undefeated Marauders will play the 2010 MJHL champion Slammers in Woodstock.
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