APRIL 13TH, 2023: The Saskatoon Roosters are finally champions after many heartbreaks and upsets in the team's five year history!
Many records were set this past season and many milestones were also achieved, but nothing is greater than winning it all! After a hard fought first round against the Crop Dusters, which was wrapped up with Eshelby's first career playoff shutout, the team moved on to play one of the favourites to win it all in the Suits. Yet again, the Roosters prevailed winning both games in a grueling battle. Then came the finals against a high scoring Peter North Stars squad who took out the top ranked Axe Men in decisive fashion.
After going down 2-0 early in the first, the boys came out on top in game one after a huge third period comeback. As game two kicked off, once again they were down 2-0 in the first, but managed the claw back to tie it up in the third thanks to some great pressure in their end and some key saves by Esh. After surrendering a late goal, the Roosters fell 3-2 in game two to force a "game three" which was 3-on-3 overtime for 5 minutes, followed by a shootout if no goal was scored in the extra frame. After ringing one off the crossbar off the opening draw in overtime, it was back and forth, non-stop action, but nothing hit the twine for either team. Then came the shootout.
After electing to shoot second, the Peter North Stars scored on their first attempt, but Berko was able to even it up on the Roosters first attempt. From there, it was a tendy battle as nothing could get by either goaltender until the tenth shooter. Owen Hope was up and after making his way down, he managed to squeak one by the Peter North Stars keeper to bring it home!
