Tigers Take Over First Place with Statement Win Over Defending Champion Gryphins

DUNDAS, ON — The Stoney Creek Tigers sent a clear message to the rest of the Allan Cup Hockey league on Thursday night: the road to the championship now runs through Stoney Creek.

In a highly anticipated clash between the league’s top two teams, the Tigers walked into the Harry Howell Arena and defeated the defending Allan Cup champion Wentworth Gryphins 5-2. The victory vaults Stoney Creek into sole possession of first place, leapfrogging Wentworth in the standings.

The game began with the intensity of a playoff series, with both teams trading chances early. The Gryphins struck first just past the midway point of the first period when Alex Hutchings found the back of the net. However, the Tigers refused to let the momentum shift. Just over two minutes later, Kyle Essery buried his second of the season (assisted by Daniel Vella and Jordan Gignac) to knot the score at 1-1 heading into the intermission.

The game was won in the opening minutes of the second period. The Tigers came out of the dressing room flying, erupting for three goals in a span of four minutes to stun the home crowd. Mike Ruberto sparked the surge just 1:09 into the frame. Less than two minutes later, Andrew Whalen netted the eventual game-winner, and Mitchell Reid followed up shortly after to make it 4-1 before the period was even six minutes old. Kyle Essery capped off the dominant period with his second goal of the night in the dying seconds, giving Stoney Creek a commanding 5-1 lead after forty minutes.

With a four-goal lead, the Tigers relied on goaltender Matt Sagrott to close the door. The Gryphins pushed hard in the final frame, outshooting Stoney Creek 17-10 in the third, but Sagrott was equal to the task. He finished the night with 35 saves on 37 shots, anchoring the defense against a potent Wentworth attack.

The win improves the Tigers' record to 7-1-1, moving them ahead of Wentworth (7-3-0) thanks to the league's point system and the Tigers' game in hand. It was a complete team effort that showcased both explosive scoring depth and defensive resilience.

The Tigers look to defend their new first-place standing as the season continues. Stay tuned to the website and social channels for upcoming schedule announcements.