The Ayr Centennials gave them a run for their money, but just couldn't get past the Braves in the game 7 final.
OXFORD COUNTY - Despite having an incredible come back in the series, the Ayr Centennials couldn't bring home the win as the Tavistock Braves walked away as the Provincial Junior Hockey League's Doherty Division Champions, beating Ayr 3-2.
As expected, Ayr didn't go down without a fight on their home ice. The team has been in that same position before, and considering they are two time defending Schmalz Cup champions, the loss to some came as a surprise.
On the flip side, there is no argument that Ayr and Tavistock both deserved to be in the final series. Having battled it out all season long and giving fans an exciting final series.
In game 7 Ayr's Zachary Masterson snagged the first goal, late in the first period, then it was Steven Holmes scoring the second and final goal for the team. The Braves then dominated for the remainder of the game. Getting things fired up was Zac Berg's power play goal to make it 2-1. Tying things up was Kellen Gedies late in the 2nd, but it was Cole Corriveau who gave Tavistock the 3-2 lead and game goal on a breakaway.
The win is the first division title for the Tavistock Braves since Junior D and C amalgamated in 2013 and their first championship since they won the McConnell Conference in 2008.
General Manager Jordan Zehr says this team has been focused right from the start of the season.
"There's a lot of things special about this team, but the way that we started camp back in August, attitude that everyone came in with, we just bought in right out of the gate. Every guy has their role and they have to fill it, and it's been working."
The Braves will now move on to the quarter-finals in the Schmalz Cup and face the Bloomfield Division champions the Glanbrook Rangers.
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