Women's Hockey League crowns playoff champions (6 photos)

Source for Sports hoisted the Keith McWatters Memorial Cup for the second time in league history after capturing the 'A' Division playoff championship last night.

Source beat Skip's Kweok 5-2 in front of a large crowd at McMeeken arena. In the 'B' Division championship, Lafarge took home the hardware defeating Crawford's Canines 5-1.

'B' Division Champions Lafarge – 5 Crawford's Canines – 1

The "B" final gave all those in attendance an opportunity to witness the grit and determination that Lafarge has carried with them for the last five weeks of the season.

After giving up an early 1-0 lead to the Canines, the Green Machine muscled their way back to a 5-1 win using the same spirit and willpower that earned them a final playoff position.

The Canines played without three regulars in the lineup and still jumped out to an impressive 1-0 lead just 1:04 into the game. Cathy Toni slipped the puck past Nancy Dewling, finishing off a great feed to the slot from Suzanne Dunn.

Ironically, the goal seemed to settle the nerves of Dewling who slammed the door shut from that point onward. Alicia Pollock and Patti Storozuk answered for Lafarge to give them a 2-1 lead after one period of play. Shelli Ubriaco gave Lafarge a 3-1 lead after two periods and although Crawford's had plenty of chances to even things up, they just couldn't match the play of Lafarge.

Ubriaco added another goal and Sarah Fischer completed the scoring with 5:23 left to play. Trish Secondi, Rhonda Crozier, Storozuk and Pollock each added one assist. Pollock had a notably strong game for Lafarge, perhaps one of the best she has played in her five years in the league, earning her the referees (silent) player of the game selection.

The victory gave Lafarge its first ever playoff title. After finishing first overall in the league's first season, they lost in the playoff final to Play It Again Sports. This year's team had a way of getting better each game, especially down the final stretch.

"We had a bit of a lull during the middle of the season after a great start. We got back to playing well again just in time and finished the way we started," said Lafarge goalie and team captain, Nancy Dewling. "This win feels so great. The team played so hard these last few weeks. I'm really happy for all of us."

Lafarge team members this year include: Nancy Dewling, Tricia Secondi, Sarah Fischer, Marg Skulech, Lori Ballstadt, Claudette Gibouleau, Alicia Pollock, Patti Storozuk, Brenda Huibers, Rhonda Crozier, Lorilee Matheson, Shelli Ubriaco and Sharon Templeton. 'A' Division Champions Source for Sports – 5 Skip's Kweok – 2

Source for Sports duplicated Lafarge's effort in the 'A' Division final, using determination and teamwork to get the job done.

It wasn't as easy as the score might indicate either. Kim Chapman and Elaine DeRosario put Source up 2-0 after the first period but their lead was cut to 2-1 after Sue Chiblow replied for Skip's. Source regained their two goal lead early in the third when Jenny Sayers notched a power play marker. Mona Jones answered for Skip's to make it 3-2 with 6:43 left to play.

With Source for Sports well aware of Skip's knack for catching teams napping, they regrouped and regained a 2-goal lead for the third time in the game. Carrie Mancuso put them up 4-2 with 2:46 left to play. Skip's pulled goalie Charlie Boissoneau for the extra attacker but Lisa Venier scored in the empty net to seal the deal and give Source the championship.

JoAnne Theissen, Elaine Angelic and Sue Sherrard each had an assist for Skip's Kweok. Venier had two assists for Source. Single assists came from Kellie Carter, Mancuso and Chapman.

Skip's had a tough time breaking the defence of Source for Sports. The "Fab Four" of Kim Chapman, Julie Laforce, Jenny Sayers and Donna May Sayers Lariviere seemed to be everywhere, leaving no room for Skip's to skate.

The "Fab Four" earned the referees (silent) "shared" player of the game selection. This was the second straight year that Skip's has played in the 'A' Final and the second time they've had to settle for runner up. Perhaps the third time will be a charm for the Kweok.

"Looks like we'll have to wait another year," said co-captain Mona Jones.

For Source, it was their second championship in three years. They won the first time in 2004 against Palmer Paving. Rookie Kellie Carter had plenty to say after the game.

"This was such a total team effort. I have so much enjoyed playing on this team. We had great captains. None of the new players on this team ever felt pressured. Our teammates were so patient with us. It was fun to come to the rink. Winning tonight's game was special because we all get along so well. It was fun to accomplish something together. I have to thank Cat Schryer for telling me about this league. I have totally hung up my figure skates for good!"

Source for team members this year include: Amanda Luther (goalie), Chantal Anderson, Julie Laforce, Lyn Mazzonello, Jenny Sayers, Lisa Venier, Andrea Moraca, Kim Chapman, Donna May Sayers Lariviere, Carrie Mancuso, Kellie Carter and Elaine Derosario.

*** League Awards and Prizes

WHL Awards and prizes were handed out following the games at Cellar Tap. The league unveiled the new Bud Parsons Memorial Trophy, donated by George and Georgie Parsons on behalf of George's father, William (Bud) Parsons. The trophy will be presented annually to the League Champions (the team that finishes first overall after the regular season). Awards were handed out as follows:

Bud Parsons Memorial Trophy – League Champions – Sports Gold

Keith McWatters Memorial Cup – 'A' Division Playoff Champs – Source for Sports

' B' Division Playoff Champs – Lafarge

Most Sportsmanlike Team – Ontario Concrete

Cellar Stars – Country Way

Sharon Abrams Award – Courage, Commitment, Klutziness – Nicky Koskela

Oldest Player Award – Registration Reimbursement – Margie Skulech (56 yrs old)

*** WHL Players Contribute to ARCH:

Congratulations to all the players in the WHL for showing the community your generosity. Players in the Women's Hockey League opened up their wallets to make a donation to the Algoma Residential Community Hospice (ARCH). ARCH is currently on a fundraising campaign to get its approved residential hospice built on fourth line in Sault Ste Marie.

The players raised a total of $700 in donations. League organizers, Sharon Buehner and Lorie Springall, were thrilled with the announcement. Sharon Buehner is one of several local physicians committed to providing better palliative care for Algoma residents.

"ARCH is going to be pleasantly surprised to hear about this," said Buehner when accepting the news. "At some point or another someone in this league will likely have a friend or family member who will need the services of ARCH. You may not realize it yet, but you've all just given to a great cause."

*** That's All Folks!

After a record 116 games, we're done for another year folks. We look forward to seeing you all again next season. Thanks to all the players, captains, coaches, sponsors, referees, timekeepers, volunteers and fans. Thanks also to Cellar Tap for being such an excellent host at our 5th Year End Party!!

(Story and photos submitted by Lorie Springall)