CORNWALL, Ontario – The Cornwall Colts will kick off their quest for the Fred Page Cup tonight against the Cinderella-story Longueuil College Francais.
Game time is 7 p.m. at the Ed Lumley Arena.
Longueuil took the dramatic route to the Fred Page, defeating the Sherbrooke Cougars in the LHJQ final by a 2-1 score – in overtime, no less.
Longueuil was forced to tie the game late in the third period to force the extra session.
The Colts, on the other hand, were bounced in the second round of their playoff run and haven’t played a meaningful hockey game in weeks.
Cornwall’s appearance at the Fred Page this year, by virtue of being hosts, will represent the Colts seventh in the eastern Canadian tournament – the most of all teams to play for the cup along with Pembroke.
Cornwall was defeated in the final of the 1995 tournament by host Joliette, and went to Halifax in 1996 but couldn’t get a win.
Things turned around in 2000 when the Colts won the Fred Page and advanced to the Royal Bank Cup – the Canadian national tournament.
The Colts will rely on core players Marly Quince, Kevin Hope, Grant Cooper and Tristen Elie to provide offense – all four scored 20 goals or better.
Defenders Zac Tierney and Craig Ross will have to sharp, as will goalies Denny Dubblestyne and Brett Nichol.
More information on the Fred Page Cup this week can be found here.
