"Squirt, Squirt, Squirt, Squirt. Cow-boy-Squirt, Playoff-Champ-Squirt!"In the closing months of the NHL 2013 year, the Canadian Cowboys were able to assemble what would be a dream-team-esque lineup to defeat 4 opponents en-route to becoming the July 2013 Elite League Champions.
In the dying hour of the July 2013 regular season, Zack Smith (Oakville, ON.) and Jacques Bonjour (Quebec, ON.) were able to squeak into Elite League Playoff Contension, setting the stage for a grand finale of epic proportions.
With Zack Smith (8G, 0A) winning an average of 84% of the draws, and participating in 8 of the eventual 13 Cowboy goals, the Canadian Cowboy offense was a force to be reckoned with. But Smith was not alone in his offensive forays, as left winger and long standing Captain Charlie Little (2G, 4A) and Toughguy-Turned-Turbo Calvin Cooke (2G, 8A) put up tally after tally in the assist column to add to the ambush that would be their second appearance and subsequent upheaval of the EASHL Elite League.
The Cowboys were privy to a much earned home ice advantage for game 1.
Early in the first period, the Cowboys mounted their steeds and were on full attack. An unfortunate interference penalty taken by RW Froggy Fresh (Victorica, BC) haulted the Cowboys attack. Having been on their heels for 2:00, the steeds were itching to get back at it, and with 1:15 remaining in the first period of playoff hockey, the Cowboys were on the board. Zack Smith fired up his offensive guns, netting his first of the night with an incredible passing play set-up by Michael the Magic (Georgetown, ON.) and Froggy Fresh. The second period went scoreless thanks to incredible defensive play by Bumbai the Defender (Burlington, ON.) and Jacques Bonjour, holding the opponents to 2 shots. Unufortunately, midway through the third, the opposition were able to sneak between the all-star defensive pairing for a breakaway goal. With 6:00 remaining in the game, the Cowboys were all tied up.
The opponents were all too excited about their ability to tie the game, and took two subsequent slashing penalties against Michael the Magic while he performed some of his signature dance moves up the left wing boards. The Cowboys wouldn't let this opportunity pass them by, and netted a 5-on-3 goal with only 2 minutes remaining in the third. Zack Smith put up his second of the night, as he escaped several hits coming out of the corner deep in the offensive zone. The Cowboy fans were ecstatic, as their boys were heading out on the road for game number two of the Elite League Playoffs.
Maybe it was the intensity of their game 1 win. Maybe it was the pressure of being on the road. Or maybe, the Cowboys were becoming one of the hottest teams in the July 2013 playoffs faster than anyone knew. Regardless, it was an unfortunate evening for their opposition. Zack Smith put up the first Cowboy goal, which was the early beginning to the end for the opponents. Froggy Fresh was able to capitalize on their frustrations, netting the 2nd of four goals on the evening. The following two would come as a result of seemingly ridiculous goaltending choices on behalf of Bob Kostitsyn.
"I just thought I could pass it out to my defense and get a rush started. These guys are just...they were too good. And I'm an idiot" said the opposing goaltender. "They're too strong in every category. We didn't even score."
The Cowboys galloped home for game 3, where their opponents must have been certainly fearful coming into the SaddleDome against the red-hot Cowboys. Having come off a 4-0 win on the road, the Cowboys hoped to continue their shut-down defense - and they would. The first period was relatively back and forth; despite having out shot their opponents 10-1, the first period was scoreless.
"We went into the dressing room thinking we could come back strong. We had the zone, we had the heart, and we had the burn. We weren't about to drop it in game 3" said Captain Michael the Magic when asked about the game 3 scoreless period. "It was uncharacteristic given our previous two games but we were just feeling them out."
And feel them out they did. The Cowboys defense was unstoppable, holding the opponents to a mere 3 SOG for the rest of the game. Bumbai and Bonjour both tallied assists on 2 goals in the Cowboys eventual 2-0 win, and second consecutive shutout. The Cowboys were on their way to the Finals.
The final game was being played in the comfort of their own homes, which is exactly what the Cowboys wanted. Fans screaming, towels waving, hearts beating - they were ready to take it all.
The game began as an intense back and forth battle, but the Cowboys would draw first blood. Again, the pressure of the Cowboys led the opposing goaltender to make a poor choice, passing the puck right out to Michael the Magic's tape, leaving him a wide open net that he wasn't about to miss in game 4. 1-0 Cowboys. The first period ended with the Cowboys up and the opponents scoreless - a familiar theme.
"We just kept the puck moving up ice - we tried not to pass too much between us, Bonjour and I, until we were on offense. Smart pokes, smart passes, and a full team effort" commented Bumbai the Defender, speaking on behalf of himself and his All-Star defensive partner Jacques Bonjour who was unable to comment at the time, having no interpreter present.
An unfortunate second period goal by the opponents would snap the Cowboy shutout at 155:00 minutes, but this only served to lite the fire that it would take to seal the deal. The Cowboys would answer with 1...2...3....4. Four consecutive tallies, led by Froggy Fresh and Zack Smith, netting two each, to cap off the July 2013 Elite League Playoffs with a dark brown Cowboy hat.
"We were hoping to have the banner up in the arena for the final month of the 2013 year, and we did it. Our next goal is to do it again next month, and head into 2014 with an incredible record behind us. Each player proved that they had what it takes to get to the top, and I can't wait to see what the boys can do moving forward. YEEHAW" said Captain Little.
Regular season play commences Thursday night, for the final season of the 2013 year.
Squirt...cooke
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