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20- The Canadian Charion. Fn'da'v. Match 2. 1999 M/erchants dominate, j ~ sweep the Kilfty Bees By STEVE LeBLANC The Champion The Merchants' century-endîng playoff run was sparked by an historic prologue. Milton took the opening round with unparalleled dominance, giving up a grand total of one goal in a towering three-game sweep of the Hamilton Kilty Bees. Fire n icePhoto by GRAHAM PAINE The Milton Skating Club recently qualified elght for the Central Ontario Section Interclub Competition, slated for March 7 and 8. Among those advancing to the ayant are (front row, from left) Sabrina Moran-Grant, Kailin Brown, Janine Nash and (back row) Tuiffany Richmond, Megan Ames, Karyn Cseft, Kim Ames and AMana Petrie. Raiders are back ini the picture The much anticipated Milton Merchants-Georgetown Raiders playoff clash is tinally here. Starting tonight at Memorial Arena the postseason Battle of north Halton retums after a lengthy hiatus. And for the first time in recent mem- ory, il actually promidses to be com- petitive. The onetime hapless Raiders are in the midst of a Cinderella season that culminated with a 3-1 first round series victory over Burlinglon. Georgetown has lost just once in their last 13 outings. They're cur- rently sporting a high confidence level and spirited fan base, combined with an incredibly productive firat line. It includes former Merchant Jeff Seeds, who's been on fire since being traded away. These factors could draw out the best-of-seven series. However, logic still dictates that the Merchants are the heavy favounite. Their goaltending and sup- portiflg cast stand head-and-shoul- ders above that of the Raiders, who faîl short in a brawn comparison as well. Still, Milton bench boss Marty Williamson isn't about to crack open the champagne juat yet. "It's going toé.- igugh, they're (Georgetown) on a heckuva high right now," he said. MlltotsMerdants vs. Georgetown Raidets Gans 1: Tues. Mat. 2 at Milton Gamre 2 tlms.Mat. 4 at Gtown Gare3: Fn Mar. ai Miton Gam 4: Sat, Mar,.6 alGtw *Gam 5ý Tues. Mar,.9 ai Milton -GanseS ýThurs. Mar. t1 t t t'town -Ga=se7: Priday. Mar. 12 at Mitton -if Uecessary (Season Seies: Mitton 5-t>) 5:OOpan. 8:00 p.sn, &0t0 p.ns 7:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m. 8:OOp.m., 8:00 p.m. Merchants scoring PLAYER GP G A PTS Ed MeGrane 49 47 68 115 <2eoffSchomogyi 50 43 62 t05 Kevin O'Flaherty 50 32 71 103 Nathan Gillies 45 26 49 75 Ryso Robichaud 38 20 44 64 Mike Wheethan 48 25 28 53 Neyer before has the local franchise so thoroughly dis- posed of a postseason oppo- nent. Steeltown's sweethearts needed a perfectly placed slap- shot by veteran Brad Gubbins in the middle of Friday's clincher - at a half-filled Memorial Arena - just to pre- vent an overaîl blanking. "I really wasn't thinking about il (a third straight shutout). I'd already gotten more than 1 had expected for the whole playoffs," said goalie Jeremy Wenzel, who worked the entire round one achedule while partner Daniel Jacques battled the [lu. "I really surprised myseif. The defence helped out a lot as well. 1 saw maybe two or three rebounds ail series." Similar to the preceding tilts, Hamilton was easily deflated in the 8-1 seriea finale and con- ceded defeat after falling behind in the firat period. 'heir lone goal was courtesy of a powerplay - with Ryan Carrigan in the box for holding - and a neutral zone turnover by the Merchants' blueline unit. With the exception of a few defensive lapses the Merchants owned the Kilty Bees - who're now 2-11 versus Milton in playoff history. Right Winger Nathan Gillies said such an authoritative firat round victory should do won- Jeremy Wenzel dors for the team, whom he feels are as closely knit as laat season's AiI-Ontarjo champi- onship contingent. "The chemistry right now is unhelievable. I'd say we'rejust as interlocked as last year," the assistant captain remarked. Friday the Merchants outshot their offensively challenged guests 48-24 and got produc- tion [rom every forward unit. Geoif Schomogyi kicked off the hit parade 8:14 into the contest by sinking his third powerplay goal in as many games. Two minutes later workhorse Chad Blundy - usually con- tent to do the thanklesa taskts like blocking shots and killing penalties - tipped in Matt asee STING on page 23 GEORET W TOYOT SAE 877-2296 WEST at.ï.<W± -Bo g i vwh *tnill.omt *It 0N Estabilshed Since 190 878-9293 3006 Oerry Rd. W. 'N ....... > Suite 203 ..... (acroos trom the Hospital) M LETTER OF THE MONTH Dear Georgetown Toyota: Please note: We had a very poor experience at another dealership. The courtesy and professionalism of the salespeo- pIe there should be examined - our business was turned away and we were flot treated seriously as customners. We decided to try another dealership and fortunately it was Georgetown Toyota! Your friendliness arnd courtesy kept our business. The salespeople were down to earth and went out of their way to ensure our satisfaction. Douglas J. Stagg - Mississauga *