Uxbridge Bruins score impressive win over Merchants
Roger Varley
Led by forward Evan Gilbert, the Uxbridge Bruins downed the Little Britain Merchants 5-2 at the arena last Friday in what was probably their best game so far this season.
Gilbert scored two goals, including what proved to be the game winner, and added an assist to earn the Cosmos' pick as player of the game for the Bruins. Caleb MacLeish was named best player for the Merchants.
The Merchants struck first, scoring at the 15:44 mark of the first period. Cameron Meek evened the score just 22 seconds later, assisted by Jordan Fitger and Jony Sandras. Two minutes later, Josh Hall and Little Britain's Cole Howson engaged in a scrap well away from the action that saw both players ejected.
Just past the halfway mark, Gilbert scored his first goal of the evening following a terrific passing display behind the Merchant's net. Trent Nobes and Danny Thomakos had the assists.
The second period was a closer fought battle, but Gilbert scored his second goal, assisted by Thomakos.
Little Britain caught the Bruins by surprise in the third, scoring their second goal less than a minute after the face-off. But Darin Bain responded a couple of minutes later, assisted by Gilbert, and Nobes put the icing on the cake, scoring on a delayed penalty call, with Thomakos and Tucker Roberts assisting.
The Bruins had two new players in the lineup: defenceman Malcolm Robin and forward Brady McPhail. Robin made his presence known and received a positive response from the fans.
The Bruins face their arch-rivals, the Port Perry LumberJacks, at the arena Friday night at 7:45 p.m. and then travel to Scarborough on Sunday to take on the Knights.
Some special events are coming up for the Bruins as they celebrate their 50th season. On Friday, there will be a ceremonial puck drop with a representative of the Pollard family, honouring Bob and Dorothy Pollard, who were instrumental in bringing Junior C hockey to Uxbridge. Trophies will be on display, along with memorabilia highlighting five decades of Bruins hockey.
On Friday, Oct. 16, the Bruins will be "Painting the Bear Den Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Night." Fans are encouraged to wear pink to the rink.