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24 - Tha Canadien Champion, Friday, Octobar 13. 2000 SSP>ORTS Qiîalty Reliable Late Model Vehicles *Low Everyday Prices! *Short Tern Leasing F Fie ik-up & Oelsvery *No Charge for 842-8892 Addidonal Drivers Merchants climb into West Conference lead By STEVE LeBLANO The Champion The Milton Merchants gave their opposition littie to be thankful for this past holiday weekend. Instead of a bountiful harvest or goodwill, the local juniors came bearing a gritty attack and deep desire t0 take over top spot in the West Conference. And when it was ail] said and done, they met that goal with back-to-back victories over Buffalo and Georgetown. Actually, Milton enjoyed a littie assistance in climb- ing the division ranks before the weekend began - with an Ontario Hockey Association decision regard- ing their college weekend gamne againse Wexford. The Merchants had lodged a formaI protest 10 the OHA claiming Wexford had used ineligible players - who'd not been released from their previous junior clubs - during the contest. Officiais have ruled in favour of the allegation, so both the win and two points that go with it will be awarded 10, Milton. This put the team within striking distance of firsî place heading into action against top-seated Buffalo Friday. The Lightning are vastly improved over last year and thc hosts didn't exactly perform 10 their potential - a combination that could have easily spelled disas- ter. The puck stops here But Joel Cameron donned the role of spoiler, deliv- ering vehat was arguably bis fmnest goaltending effort as a Merchant. Overaîl, he stopped 41 of 43 - guiding Milton 10 a 6-2 triumph - and made a dynamite glove save on what mose in attendance assumed veas a sure goal in the second period. "I don't think I've ever seen Ide play better since he's heen a Merchant," remarked director of hockey operations Nick Slaveson, whose tears nove sita atop the conference with a record of 8- 1. Cameron's crafty cage work and a fairly potent powerplay allowed the locale 10 shake off a rusty start and battle back for the vein. Captain John Nadalin and Andy Rozak led with three-assist nights while six different Merchants dent- ed the Iveine. Goal scorers were Dan Bognar, Dan DeLong, Flavio Fagionni, Frank Fazio, Ian LaBrash and Scott Malcolm. Up from Erin's Jr. C squad veere defenceman Bryan Gent and Darren Halls, veho continued 10 aid a deplet- ed blueline unit. The following night in Georgetowen, Milton's short- staffed lineup - which included just four rearguards and 10 forveards, with veterans DeLong and Elliot Altberg nursing minor injuries - came out awfully flat sud by the midway mark of the opening frame were down 3-0. Hoveever, Fagionni helped tum the tables with back- to-back unassisted markers before first intermsission. Remarkable rally From there, Cameron's solid netminding and an impressive team effort - especially from some of the rookies - allowed the visitors 10, complete the rally and prevail 5-3. Rozak provided the heroics, sinking the game-vein- ner with just 33 seconds remaining and then adding an empty net insurance tally with six seconds left on the dlock. "Il felt really good (10 score firsî game veinner as s Merchant)," said the veteran junior. "We've got a lot of neve guys froro other teams but things are really staring 10 gel for this lears." Knotting things up ai 10:34 of the third veas veteran Winger James Coleman, veho bas nove surpassed last year's goal total of four. He also assisted on the go-ahead goal - which pushed Rozak mbt a frve-way lie for tears scoring lead wiîh Coleman, DeLong, Fagionni and Vince Laine. AIl five have lit the lamp a handful of limes. Merchant notes: Defenceman Adam Sturgeon is having some problemes with the OHL Sudbury Wolves and could possibly retun 10 the Merchants ... Andy Rozak has collected nine points in his lasI four games 10 take over top spot in the team's points race.. Milton traveled 10 Brampton last night. They host Hamilton tonight and finish out the weekend aI Mîssissauga's Iceland Arena Sunday aI 7:30 p.m. Sign up now for ski racing Photo bp GRAHAM PAINE Hands up A St. Thomas Aquinas player spikes the bail past two Blshop RodIng defenders durlng game oneO of senior boys volleyball play at BR lest Thuraday. The Royales bat ln stralght gamma, 25-13 and 25-12. 1'he Milton Heighta racing club, which sktis out of Giecn Eden, is gearing up for anoeher season. 1The regular travel leagues are back this year, - itscluding.. * Nanscy Green/Mackenzie Leagues (6 to 13 * Heubley Alpine League (14 t19 lyear); " Masters attuit ski racing (20 yeae to 80+ yrL); " Snowboard raciss* (7 t019 years) As a special addition this coming season, thce club well be offesing'both atlult and yomtlhouse league racing (ison-traveling teams) for Tecreational pur- poss For further detaîls please contact Lin Lessn by phone at 336-5382 or e-mail inquirses 10 Stephenleeson @hotmail.com. Also, check ont thce veebite for more information at www.nmlltonheghtscoe. *à, ~~ sor 10 Oct15"& Oct 221- i 1:3Oam to lpm e Bnian Best Feld: Ralph Willitams: 878-1898 Boys linder 13 - Oct 15- & Oct 22*d - 3pea 10 4:30pna e Brian Beat Field: Andrew Dowînan: 876-0066 Girls Under 14 - Oct?7' & Oct 14' - lOam 10 11:3Oam @ Brian Beal Feld: David Rtamon: 878-8773 Girls Under 17 - Oct 15" & Oct 2211 - lpm to 3pn @ Bian Best Field. Lesule DlPahna 876-1363 Ve.dayctor 18k, 7pni, Policeâ Sao Néld Drwil loue ! L