Tigers Clinch First Place, Cap Off Historic Season with Sweep of Gryphins

STONEY CREEK, ON — The Stoney Creek Tigers have officially claimed the top spot in Allan Cup Hockey. Wrapping up a phenomenal regular season with a 19-3-2 record, the Tigers made a final statement this weekend by sweeping a high-stakes series against the defending champion Wentworth Gryphins.

The two-game set showcased the explosive offense, special teams dominance, and resilient character of the team as they head into the playoffs as the undisputed number one seed.

Game 1: A Friday Night Firefight

The weekend kicked off with an absolute thriller, resulting in a wild 9-7 Stoney Creek victory. In a game where offense took center stage, the Tigers fell behind early but found their rhythm, exploding for four goals in the second period and four more in the third.

Cole Poliziani had a monster night with a hat trick, while Mike Ruberto netted two goals, including the game-winner midway through the final frame to halt a fierce Wentworth comeback attempt. Andrew Whalen also chipped in with a pair of goals, and Cordell James orchestrated the offense with another multi-assist performance.

In net, Matt Sagrott secured his 11th victory of the year and cementing his status as the league leader in goaltender wins.

Final Score: Stoney Creek 9 - Wentworth 7

Game 2: Special Teams Shine in Season Finale

Saturday's season finale at the Stoney Creek Arena was a masterclass in special teams. The Tigers took a 6-3 victory in a physical, penalty-filled affair that felt like a true playoff preview.

Stoney Creek opened the scoring in the first period with back-to-back power-play goals from Chris Knighton and Paul Geiger. But the true turning point came in the second period during a Wentworth power play. Kyle Essery absolutely took over, scoring two incredible shorthanded goals just 16 seconds apart. His second shorthanded marker stood as the game-winner and completely stole the momentum from the defending champs.

Freddy Teeple added two goals of his own to seal the deal, while goaltender Josh Roman made a memorable debut between the pipes. Making his first career Allan Cup Hockey start, Roman was rock solid, turning aside 28 shots to earn his first league victory. The game also featured heavy physical play, including a spirited second-period bout between Dominik Crnogorac and Wentworth's Kevin Harvey, setting an intense tone for the postseason.

Final Score: Stoney Creek 6 - Wentworth 3

Looking Ahead to the Playoffs

With the regular season in the books and a first-place 19-3-2 record secured, the Tigers have earned home-ice advantage for the upcoming Allan Cup Hockey playoffs.

A massive thank you goes out to all the fans, volunteers, and staff for making this regular season unforgettable. The real work starts now.

Playoff dates and matchups will be announced shortly. Stay tuned to our social media channels and website for ticket information