Comunicati stampa

The Gryphons played the Flying Bartlebys in this weekend's HF Boards tournament action. Both games were once again close with the Gryphons 4-2 at home on Saturday and 3-2 on the road on Sunday. The two wins move the Gryphons to 4-0 and they sit atop the Group A standings with a 4 point lead on both the West Co. Warriors and Bombsville Atomics, who they will face next weekend.

On the ice, on Saturday Garnett made 12 saves on 14 shots while the Gryphons' top line (without Vaverka and O'Brien) scored 4 goals and the powerplay went 3/5 to seal a 4-2 victory. On the road on Sunday, the Gryphons were played much more closely, as they won 3-2 but were outshot for the first time in recent memory, 30-29. Tim Newton made 28 saves for the win while the Gryphons' third and fourth lines provided the scoring.

In other group play, the Halifax Eagles, HC SJ NB and the Miami Rage are all atop their respective divisions. Round-robin play will finish next weekend followed by a single-game knockout stage.

-----

In Team Canada news, Tim Newton was on the bench as Team Canada fought to a 4-4 tie with Bosnia and Herzegovina. The game was a close affair and given Newton's reputation one can only anticipate he will see action soon.

"They have not formally discussed with me my role with the club. Right now I am just happy to be there and contribute anyway I can. Obviously, there are people talking I may get my shot this up-coming weekend as we play at home. Not only is it against our rivals, the USA, but it will be at Veterans Memorial Arena, the home to my Gryphons. I'm sure the fans in Guelph would love to see me in there but right now the coaches are making decisions to get a feel for where the club is and how we stack up. I am grateful for all my fan support. There is no doubt in my mind the game against the USA, be my role as starter, backup or a healthy scratch, will be one of the greatest experiences of my career to date" said Newton when asked about the game. Veterans Memorial Arena is already in the preparation stage for Saturday's game against the USA. The Gryphons play at home on Wednesday as well as on Saturday. All fans will be asked to leave the arena before the two national teams faceoff for what will be the first of many battles between the two nations.

-----

The Guelph Gryphons have been playing well with their core of current players. In fact, with Friday's win the Gryphons have now played 51 regular season games where they have not received a regulation loss. The Gryphons last lost on the 1st of July back in the first season in III.7. Management is planning a ceremony to commemorate the players who have contributed to the results throughout this run. A banner will be lifted to the ceiling of Veterans Memorial Arena with the names of all the players who have played during the 51 games (and counting) after the Gryphons are defeated next.

"I am very proud of my players and staff. The guys are prepared for every game and battle day in and day out for each other and the team. We remain modest and must work harder each day as teams begin to gun for us. These types of runs build great confidence, but they also put a target on your back. There is no doubt in my mind the players are up to the task and I have every bit of faith in them to get the job done on Monday, and every day from here on forward" said Head Manager Mark Clode.

The Gryphons will put their remarkable streak on the line on Monday when they travel to face Shyva. Shyva is 9th in II.2 and playing very inconsistent.

"We must be ready for the toughest game of the year. They have been playing inconsistently and we must anticipate a real battle. We expect Marty (Martin O'Brien) to be back in the lineup on Monday which will help our blueline and PP so long as he says out of the box. Vaverka is still about a week away and will likely be back in action in time for Friday's game. The rest of our games this week are against unpredictable clubs as well and they only get harder from there. We have been fortunate so far this season to not have faced the likes of Classic or our old rivals Incredible Foes. Our boys will be ready, the games do not get any easier from here on out" said Head Coach Stubbs.

The Gryphons will return home Wednesday to face the Vancouver Vanucks before closing out the week's league games on the road against the Vancouver Giants.

---

---