Mountaineers capture Crombie Cup despite loss in potential playoff preview

The Crombie Cup is awarded annually to the season series winner between the Toronto Beaches and Mimico Mountaineers. On Wednesday, the Beaches won 10-7, but by way of the 17-9 first meeting in June the Mountaineers claim their eighth Crombie Cup.

With both teams tied for fourth with 10 wins on the season, this was likely a first-round playoff preview. Beaches were already up 2-0 when Justin Lee scored his thirtieth goal of the season, on the power play. The Beaches answered with a goal 27 seconds later, Sheldon Broughton’s first in the OJLL. Mimico’s first of three penalties in the period led to a goal another 27 seconds later. Lucas Dudemaine answered with two goals to move him past the 30 mark, but Beaches led 5-3 after the first period.

The teams combined for 37 minutes of penalties in the second period, including a five minute major to Mimico. On the major power play, Willem Firth scored twice, giving him 45 for the second straight season, and his Beaches a 7-4 lead.

Toronto’s other prolific scorer, Matt Collison, scored his lone goal of the night but forty-seventh of the year early in the third. Another Mountaineers’ major penalty only resulted in a Jackson Webster power play goal, but also a shorthanded marker by CJ Kirst. Justin Lee and Finlay Thomson finished the game with Mimico power play goals to help close the 10-7 gap, winning Beaches the game, but Mimico the Crombie Cup.

Willem Firth led the Beaches with seven points (3 goals, 4 assists). He sits third in the OJLL in points (98) and goals (45). Also with seven points was Mimico’s Finn Thomson (2 goals, 5 assists) to stretch his league points lead to 109, five more than Orangeville’s Koleton Marquis.

The Toronto Beaches improve to 11-7 into sole possession of fourth place. They’ll play their final two games at home Thursday against the Oakville Buzz (12-6) and at the ILA July 9 against the Six Nations Arrows (6-11).

Mimico’s will play their final three games on consecutive nights, starting at home against Six Nations July 8, in Brampton (7-11) July 9 and in Peterborough (4-14) July 10.