Tigers Sweep Weekend; Make Statement with Dominant Win Over Gryphins

STONEY CREEK, ON — The Stoney Creek Tigers sent a clear message to the rest of the league this weekend, sweeping a pair of games to extend their lead atop the Allan Cup Hockey standings. With a road win in Dundas and a decisive victory over the second-place Wentworth Gryphins, the Tigers improved their league-best record to 16-1-2.

The weekend began on Friday night in Dundas, where the Tigers overcame a slow start to defeat the Real McCoys 7-3. While the offense eventually found its rhythm, goaltender Matt Sagrott was the story early on. Sagrott faced a heavy workload, stopping 40 of 43 shots to keep Stoney Creek in the game as Dundas pressed hard, firing 43 shots on goal.

Trailing 2-1 after the first period, the Tigers exploded in the middle frame. Josh Ranalli led the surge, scoring twice—including the eventual game-winner—while Kyle Essery had a breakout night with a goal and two assists. Dan Poliziani played the role of playmaker, racking up three assists, and Cordell James continued his strong season with a goal and two helpers to cap off the 7-3 victory.

The focus then shifted to Saturday night at the Creek for the highly anticipated "Battle for First Place" against the defending champion Wentworth Gryphins. In what was billed as a heavyweight tilt, the Tigers delivered one of their most complete performances of the season, winning 5-1.

Goaltender Daniel Svedin was spectacular, earning 1st Star honors by turning aside 34 of 35 shots. He shut down the Gryphins' high-powered offense, carrying a shutout bid late into the third period.

Offensively, the Tigers struck early and often. Cordell James opened the scoring just seconds into the game on the power play. In the second period, Dylan Madge buried the game-winning goal, followed by a marker from Joel Knight to extend the lead to 3-0. Cole Poliziani and Mike Ruberto added insurance goals in the third period to put the game out of reach. Paul Geiger was a force on the back end, earning 2nd Star honors with two assists.