Jr. C East Ottawa v. Rockland, Gm.5

So, I've been a referee for 16 seasons. In my time I have lots of big games...but most as a linesman. However, last night I had something different. I was the referee at an elimination game...and one team was knocked out. That is a first for me...and it was a game to remember.

I arrived at the rink, plenty early as is the norm for me, and started to get ready. However, before the game had even begun I had a member of the league come to me and explain that I would have my hands full as the teams had been very chippy in the previous game. East Ottawa was down 3-1 in the series, but were at home, and expecting a lively home rink to help push them to try and push the series to another game. Any good hockey person knows the combination of desperation, a lively crowd, and a good level of animosity makes for the best hockey...but is a nightmare for the referee as you are never quite sure what you are going to see.

The game started and it was a fast and very hard affair. However, what really stood out was that 2 minutes into the game, the East Ottawa fans showed up...ALL of them Ottawa U students and straight from a Keg Party. The were noisy, drunken, and very belligerent. Perfect. East Ottawa clearly responded to the roar of the crowd and grabbed an early lead and were up 2-1 after the first.

The 2nd was a different story. The teams got a little undisciplined, took some more penalties, and they took their tool. However, Rockland capitalized and by the end of the 2nd were up 4-2 making for an interesting and lively third.

The air was starting to get the thick as the crowd smoked their "wacky Tabaccy" and continued to drink...and the teams came out and went back and forth. Neither team managed to squeeze until teh 10 minute mark when East Ottawa managed to pot a 3rd goal to make it 4-3. The crowd roared and loved every second of it. The last 10 minutes was very tense as East Ottawa pushed to score another, and Rockland did everything they could to keep it out. It came down to the last minute and with the goalie out, East Ottawa tried desperately to score the equalizer. However, at the final buzzer, no such luck, and Rockland held on to the win. The crowd was clearly deflated, but the Rockland fans loved seeing their team put away their foes on East Ottawa ice. All in all, it was a very good and entertaining game and the fans got their money's worth.

However, a Junior C is never without an incident...and on the way out of the rink not fewer than 4 police cruisers could be seen dealing with the Rowdy crowd. I was left to my own devices and headed off with out delay and was happy to be done the game and very pleased with the game as a whole.

Thanks folks...gotta love the playoffs!

Bruce