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The Guelph Gryphons would start their first season in the top division on the road against Les Nicol bolas, a team that many would argue is the top in the nation with perhaps the top manager in the nation. There was a mixed look on the faces of the Gryphon players. Some of the younger players were excited and anxious to get playing before the game, while the veterans who have been there since the team was established three seasons ago just seemed to be taking it all in.

"Being part of the run from III.7 to I.1 is something I can be really proud I was a part of. There aren't too many teams who can earn two promotions in three seasons. I think it speaks volumes of the character in this room and the mentality of the management calling the shots" said Lee Nicholson, one of two players to play in every competitive Gryphon match in history.

There were many festivities before the game as fans at Chacal arena welcomed their players back to home ice for league play. The loudest ovation was saved for Justin Ludlam, Will Beliveau, Rick Showler and Joe Crooks as they had helped Canada to a remarkable 5-9th place finish at the World Championships. Also recognized for their contribution was Gryphon players Tim Newton and Guy Richard. When all was said and done, the game was to be played and both teams looked ready for action.

The welcoming to I.1 was an awakening for the Gryphons. Coach Stubbs decided to start the Gryphons' 4th line and Les Nicol bolas countered with their top unit. This would prove costly as just 38s in the Gryphons would find themselves behind 1-0. Surprisingly enough, Head Coach Stubbs called a timeout.

"I just wanted to settle my guys. We had a lot of energy on the bench and that goal seemed to steal that away from us. I just reassured them of the plan and if we stuck to it we would be rewarded" said Head Coach Stubbs.

The plan appeared to be to wear down the hosts with a persistent forecheck and lay hit after hit on their defencemen. "We knew they would try and sit back and counter our mistakes. We feel like they may not realize the experience we have in this room. That is why we felt the need to start our 4th line. Our 4th line is our most experienced! I think that speaks volumes of our depth and looking at the other 3 lines there isn't much difference" said Captain Guy Richard.

The Gryphons re-grouped and stuck with their game plan. Laying hit after hit and continuing to put pucks at the world-class goaltender Ludlam. Before the end of the first period, history would be made as Matt Sheringham would score the first Gryphon goal in I.1 history. The Gryphons would go into the first intermission with the game tied at 1.

"It was critical that we solved Ludlam before the end of the first. He is a remarkable goaltender and we needed to ensure ourselves that he was human. Once we got one we knew we had the confidence to pot a couple more" said goal scorer Sheringham.

The Gryphons would take their 4th straight penalty early in the third but Tim Newton would keep the door shut. At this point in the game Les Nicol bolas seemed to be throwing everything at the net. Newton and the Gryphon defence would not budge. This defensive courage seemed to spur on an offensive surge as the Gryphons piled on the late pressure.

"I think you could really see our game plan come into action late in the game. We were wearing down their defence. They started to rush passes and make little mistakes here. It eventually paid off" said Coach Stubbs.

Paid off indeed. The Gryphons top unit would take control with under five to play. Veterans O'Brien and Richard would assist Vaverka on what would prove to be the decisive goal and secure a 2-1 win for the visiting Gryphons. And with the final buzzer, the streets in Guelph filled with fans cheering.

"We've waited a long time to see our team play in the top league. Many didn't give us a chance to even compete. I'm so proud to be a Gryphon fan right now!" said a random fan who had just stopped to yell in front of a TV camera.

"I think this is a very special moment in Gryphon hockey. This was a complete team effort and we will need more of these for sure. No doubt in our minds we can compete at this level and even bring home a title. Thankfully we don't have to face Ludsy (Justin Ludlam) every game. He played amazing tonight. I can't give him enough credit. He battled for every puck and earned every save. It was really an honour just playing against a goalie like that today and it is something I will never forget" said goaltender Tim Newton after congratulating Ludlam on a specular performance.

The Gryphons will now host FlyingHeadz for their I.1 home opener. There is a rivalry between the two clubs so look for a very intense and exciting match between the two teams. A large crowd is expected as the Gryphons will be hosting their II.2 playoff championship banner.

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