Offline
I'm rooting for a Moose-Broncos final!
Offline
My mind: *Don’t say it, it will only end in disappointment.
Don’t say it, it will only end in disappointment.
Don’t say it, it will only end in disappointment. *
Me trying to hold my tongue: MOOSE LOOSE!
Offline
1967 Kellogg Cup Super Series; Semi Finals
Minneapolis Millers vs Grand Rapids Moose
The Mighty Millers basically had home ice advantage, with a large majority of the 7,000 fans in attendance coming from across the river. The Millers used this advantage in the first, getting a 2-0 lead after 1. They added a third in the second, but Grand Rapids began to turn things around, getting a pair of goals before the end of the second. Minneapolis was given a powerplay 6:47 into the third, and they made the Moose pay, adding a 2 goal cushion to their lead. The clock would expire and the Millers will return to the Kellogg Cup Championship for a chance to finally get that illusive second title.
Cloquet Broncos vs Thief River Falls Railers
The first was relatively even, but Millen got his Broncos on the board with a wicked backhand with just over 2 minutes left in the first. Cloquet picked up the tempo in the second, starting it off with a goal on a 3 on 1. The Broncos controlled time of possession for most of the period. It was only a matter of time before one of these shots would go in, giving Cloquet a controlling 3-0 lead after 2. The third is when things changed. Thief River seemed hungrier, putting their all into each individual shift and outworking the Broncos who weren't as aggressive now having a 3 goal lead. The Railers went into the Bronco zone, firing a shot off the defenseman's shin pad, changing the direction of the puck into the net. Thief began to build more opportunities, scoring 6 minutes later thanks to a Zach Smith slap shot to bring the deficit to one. Cloquet was on their heels a bit and took a tripping penalty shortly after the Railers goal, giving them a powerplay. Thief wasted no time winning the faceoff and firing a pass to the defenseman on the far corner of the blue line who one timed a slap shot on goal, beating the goalie and tying the game at 3-3. The "uninvested spectators" (fans who are not cheering for or against either particular team, just there for the entertainment) had clearly shifted to supporting the Railers, and the Broncos had no idea what was going on. The clock ticked down to 3 minutes and the Railers were putting in the work in the Cloquet zone. The crowd began to break out into chants of "Lets Go Railers" as Thief peppered the Cloquet goalie, while pinning their skaters in their zone, unable to change. A rebound was cleared to the corner, a Smith twin was the first to the puck, passing it to the point. The defenseman walked it in a bit, but rather than shoot he dumped the puck down to a player with a little bit of space to the side of the goal, down on the goal line. The player stepped out, getting a better angle, and ripped a shot past the goalies ear, off the crossbar and down. The crowd erupted as the Railers erased a three goal deficit with four third period goals to take the lead and ultimately win the game.
Let me know what you think, comments are appreciated!
Offline
This reverse psychology thing might work...
I'll take the Millers here.
Offline
The tread of a team not wearing blue continues! If the Millers win it all, I wonder what it will do to the popularity of the Bakers?
Offline
Poor Brady Millen...with the North Stars and the other new five starting NHL play next year, this may be the last time we see him in a Broncos uniform (and with no Kellogg Cup to show for it).
But as it is, let's drop the reverse psychology here: IT'S MIGHTY MILLERS TIME!
Offline
The TRF uniforms are awesome. Solid and classic!
Offline
1967 Kellogg Cup Super Series; Final
1st Period
MPLS - 0
TRF - 0
The St. Paul Auditorium was packed to the brim with Millers as the puck was dropped. It felt as if it were a game at Williams arena with how loud the chants of "Lets Go Millers!" were. Despite the home ice advantage, Thief River Falls held their own in the first, getting a couple chances on counter attacks. The game was scoreless after one with the shots 9-6 in favor of the Millers.
2nd Period
MPLS - 0
TRF - 0
Minneapolis came inches away from taking the lead, hitting the pipe and being robbed by the Railers goalie a couple of times. Thief River was on their heels for most of the second, only getting 4 shots on goal and having to fend off Miller attacks for much of the period.
3rd Period
MPLS - 2
TRF - 0
Kyle Ramsey with the goal just 16 seconds into the third! The Millers captain wasted no time flying down the ice after the face off, weaving his way through the defenders and undressing the goalie to single handedly give his team the lead. Thief River became more aggressive after the goal against, pinching more in an attempt to get more chances on offense. The Millers were able to get through a pinch though, setting up a 2 on 1. They came into the zone and the puck carrier saucered a pass a couple inches off the ice, over the stick of the defenseman, to the tape of his teammate who redirected it into the goal. The Millers had a two goal lead and all the momentum, they hit the pipe on a tipped shot from the point nearly increasing their lead. The clock wore down and the crowd chanted down the final "ten, nine, eight, etc." until the horn sounded, ending the Millers 44 year Kellogg Cup drought!
The Tschida Trophy was given back to Brady Millen after a year without it. Millen, along with a few others, are expected to be signed by expansion NHL teams prior to their first season beginning the upcoming fall.
Let me know what you think, comments are appreciated!6.5.0
Offline
Holy sh*t, they got 'em.
Offline
At last, the Cup is back in the Mighty Millers' hands!
To answer TourneyEarnie's question from earlier. given how the Millers, Bakers and Vulcans are all playing at Williams Arena at this time, I think the Bakers will be OK long as they don't try to be bigger than the Millers yet...just bigger than the Vulcans (the two teams appear to be headed in opposite directions given the recent standings trends).
Bring on the offseason...with the North Stars' ownership getting set for their inaugural NHL season, expect them to make a few more deals to get the MAHL PLENTY more nationwide publicity.