Moose Re-Take Capital Ward Cup

Victory. The Old Ottawa South Moose are bringing the Capital Ward Cup trophy back to the Fire Hall, winning the 8th annual one-day shinny tournament final January 31st 2015 in a breathtaking 8-6 overtime victory against the Old Ottawa East Hosers.

It wasn’t easy. The Hosers’ competitive spirit and always-explosive speed nearly forced the Moose to endure yet another heartbreaking defeat. In the final, the Moose fell behind 4-1 before launching a dramatic comeback fueled on lousy coffee, biting cold weather, and the live music of a band rehearsing in the clubhouse.

Victory. The Old Ottawa South Moose are bringing the Capital Ward Cup trophy back to the Fire Hall, winning the 8th annual one-day shinny tournament final January 31st 2015 in a breathtaking 8-6 overtime victory against the Old Ottawa East Hosers.

It wasn’t easy. The Hosers’ competitive spirit and always-explosive speed nearly forced the Moose to endure yet another heartbreaking defeat. In the final, the Moose fell behind 4-1 before launching a dramatic comeback fueled on lousy coffee, biting cold weather, and the live music of a band rehearsing in the clubhouse.The Hosers, having made the final in all eight years – winning four times – are reaching the legendary status of the Montreal Canadiens, who won the Stanley Cup six times in 10 consecutive appearances in the 1950s.

For the Moose, this is the third championship win, to add to three crushing losses that all came at the blades of the Hosers. Last year was a break-out year for the Glebe Goal-Getters, winning their first final 8-7 against the Hosers.

The tournament is a one-day shinny contest of outdoor 4 on 4 hockey that rotates between four neighbourhoods in Capital Ward. It was launched and refereed by former Capital Ward Councillor Clive Doucet, and continued under the fine officiating finesse of Councillor David Chernushenko. With Glebe as this year’s host, the tournament was played on the outdoor ice surface at the St. James Tennis Club.

This year, the Heron Park Hackers, who round out the four-teams, weren’t able to put together a full roster. But their manager Colin MacLean came and graciously provided scorekeeping services for the stunning final.

In the final, overtime never would’ve happened without a tremendous show of sportsmanship on the part of the Hosers. Late in the game, the Moose drove deep and after much chaos in front of the net, scored the tying goal. “6-6,” announced scorekeeper MacLean definitely. But wait. Referee Chernushenko wasn’t so sure. Had the puck been raised? That’s an infraction. “What do you think?” he asked everyone.

Players exchanged tentative stares. The game was on the line. Time stood still. The rink fell silent. ‘‘Previous goal under review,” announced MacLean. From the nervous tranquility of heart-stopping suspense, the quiet voice of goodwill for which Canadians are renowned the world over was heard: “Goal,” said the Hoser’s six-year veteran and captain, Andrew Matsukubo.

Tie game. The Moose were still alive. In overtime, the Moose caught their second wind, or at least half a wind. They were quick on the puck, aggressive in the attacking zone, relentless on the back-check, and praying the Hosers would finally tucker out. After much end to end action, the Moose scored twice in a three-minute overtime period. 

Next year, the tournament returns for its 9th annual edition to where it all began eight years ago, Heron Park. In the inaugural year, the tournament coincided with a winter festival featuring music, outdoor events, and, most importantly, decent coffee. The tournament has become a legendary winter tradition, like skating on the Rideau Canal, Winterlude, and dodging snowplows. Long live the games.