Deer Lake wins opening game of Herder Memorial Trophy senior hockey final
The defending champion Deer Lake Red Wings skated to a 6-2 win over the Baker Flooring Blues in the opening game of the best-of-seven provincial senior hockey final Friday night in front of a full house in Kelligrews.
The game was even at 1-1 after 40 minutes, but the west coast champions dominated the third period, scoring five times.
Deer Lake advanced to the Herder final after sweeping the St. John’s Caps to win the Avalon East senior hockey title. The Red Wings won the West Coast championship, beating the Grand Falls-Windsor Cataracts to defend their league title.
There was some controversy heading into this year’s provincial final. Deer Lake was permitted to strengthen its roster with pickup players, with the Blues expressing their concerns to Hockey Newfoundland and Labrador.
Both the East Coast and West Coast teams are deep with local talent, featuring many former major junior players as well as some former pros.
The Herder is provincial senior hockey’s most coveted prize, dating back to 1935, when Corner Brook won the first title. Deer Lake has won several Herder titles and has made nine appearances over the past 15 years, while the Blues are making their Herder debut.
The teams face off again tonight in CBS before the series shifts west next weekend for three games, if necessary.