The Newfoundland Growlers lost for the first time last night in the Kelly Cup Final in game three in Toledo, Ohio falling by a score of 4-1.
The Growlers didn’t get the result they were looking for when entering the hostile environment of Toledo, before a sold-out crowd of over 8,000.
It was the Growlers who found the net first when Hudson Elynuik fired one home off a beautiful pass from Derian Plouffe just over four minutes into the second period.
Ten minutes later, the Walleye found their first of the night before quickly burying two more in just over four minutes to take a 3-1 lead which they carried into the dressing room.
That would prove to be enough as Toledo went on to win the game, outshooting the Growlers 36-18.
The series now sits at 2-1 and the Growlers will look to bounce back in game four in Toledo, which goes Friday night at 9:05 p.m. island time.
Meanwhile, the away game didn’t stop a few passionate fans from taking in the game at the watch party at Boston Pizza on Water Street.
The group was loud while cheering on the Growlers in hopes of bringing home the province’s first professional championship.
One woman who has only missed two Growlers games, and those due to vacation – something she says she’ll never do again, felt it was important to be there and cheer on the team, even while they’re in Ohio.
She says it’s to let the team know everyone is behind them hoping they can pull it off for the people of the province. She says everyone will be very proud – more than they already are.
Earlier Story
The Newfoundland Growlers dropped their first game of the Kelly Cup Finals Wednesday night, in game three in Toledo, Ohio falling by a score of 4-1.
They may have been on the road, but that didn’t stop a few passionate fans from taking in the game at the watch party at Boston Pizza on Water Street, who were loud cheering on their team in hopes of bringing home the province’s first professional championship.
The Growlers didn’t quite get the start they were looking for when entering the hostile environment of Toledo, where a sold out crowd of over 8,000 rabid fans filled the rink and were full of energy, undoubtedly helping the home team jump out to a fast start.
It didn’t take long for things to pick up where they left off at the Mile One with pushing and shoving after the whistles before the Growlers’ Kristians Rubins and Walleye’s Bryan Moore both picked up 5 minute major’s for fighting, although only Moore dropped his gloves.
A good crowd is here and lots of @NLGrowlers jerseys and hats with more excepted to arrive!
Lots of loud cheering too, and man oh man @GrowlersBallard can call a great game. #StandPROUD pic.twitter.com/EBIVZYpgOK
— Ben Murphy (@BenMurphyVOCM) May 30, 2019
Toledo kept the pressure on, but the Growlers managed to hold off thanks to goaltender Michael Garteig who made a number of big saves late in the period. It was the Growlers who found the net first when Hudson Elynuik fired one home off a beautiful pass from Derian Plouffe just over four minutes into the second period.
Here's the laser from Elynuik off the silky smooth pass from Plouffe.#StandPROUD https://t.co/GLfBC1xGV6
— Ben Murphy (@BenMurphyVOCM) May 30, 2019
Ten minutes later the Walleye found their first of the night, before quickly burying two more in just over four minutes to take a 3-1 lead, and carried that lead into the dressing room.
It was another chippy period, proving the two teams have formed a strong disliking for each other three games into their best-of-seven. The third period saw more trips to the penalty boxes for both teams. The Walleye found the back of the net during a 4 on 4 to stretch their lead out to three goals.
Growlers heading back to the PP… maybe? This is a bit wild.
“If this is another 4 on 4, I’m leaving!” – @GrowlersBallard
Seems as if things are getting a bit out of hand in Toledo tonight… @VOCMNEWS
— Ben Murphy (@BenMurphyVOCM) May 30, 2019
However, it was the Growlers best period of the game.
That would prove to be enough, as Toledo went on to win the game and outshot the Growlers 36-18. The series now sits at 2-1 and the Growlers will look to bounce back in game four in Toledo, which goes Friday night at 9:05 p.m.
Growlers take a penalty for cross-checking.
Toledo fans going wild.
That’s just about a wrap on this one with 3:14 left on the clock.
— Ben Murphy (@BenMurphyVOCM) May 30, 2019