The Growlers are the ECHL’s Kelly Cup champions, the province’s first professional sports championship, defeating the Toledo Walleye 4-3 to win the best-of-seven series 4-2 and bring home the Kelly Cup in their inaugural season.
Fans at Mile One were rocking with a deafening energy, making as much noise as possible in support of the home team while waving the white “Stand Proud” rally towels placed on every seat.
The action was fast and furious into the final moments of the game as the Walleye tried to tie the score, but it was not to be. The Growlers etched their way into the history books with a 4-3 victory.
Hot start to the third period here at the Mile One. Few good chances from the Growlers early.
15:24 left to play. @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/z2kmLsda4T
— Ben Murphy (@BenMurphyVOCM) June 4, 2019
It was the most electric and energetic crowd that Mile One has seen in a long time.
The party poured out into the streets shortly after with cheering and drivers honking their horns in support. The crowd was roaring as the final seconds ticked off the clock, crowning the Newfoundland Growlers as Kelly Cup champions in their inaugural season.
It’s time to celebrate!! @NLGrowlers @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/x5XC8plWwr
— Ben Murphy (@BenMurphyVOCM) June 5, 2019
IT’S PARTY TIME NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR!
KELLY CUP CHAMPS!!!! @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/Q85XiLCPzZ
— Ben Murphy (@BenMurphyVOCM) June 5, 2019
Newfoundlander Named MVP
Newfoundland native Zach O’Brien has been named the 2019 Kelly Cup playoff MVP.
The Growlers captured the Kelly Cup last night at Mile One in their inaugural season, defeating the Toledo Walleye 4-2 in the final. O’Brien led all ECHL players in playoff scoring, making him an easy choice for MVP.
He thanked his teammates first, but says the MVP title is nothing compared to the championship. O’Brien says the championship means a lot more but thanks his teammates, coaches and linemates, including St. John’s native Marcus Power along with his family.
He says it’s a good feeling but the championship is the main thing.
A Special Win for Owners MacDonald and Stanford
Meanwhile, franchise owners Dean MacDonald and Glen Stanford say they could have never imagined being champions when this all began over a year ago, but their mothers could.
Both had their mothers pass away in the last year, and dedicated the win to them.
As for the fans, Stanford says they answered the call.
He says the fans were unbelievable. It was a kitchen party at the Mile One and in the last few minutes when the team needed to hold on, it was the fans who gave them the support to get it done.
Stanford says it’s wonderful as the fans have waited a long time to celebrate.
Few of the boys enjoying a quiet victory lap. @NLGrowlers pic.twitter.com/RIPAG8Yibr
— Ben Murphy (@BenMurphyVOCM) June 5, 2019
