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r24 -The Canadian Champion, Fniday, Apnil 6, 2001 1 cý M 1 L T Photos by GRAHAM PAINE Merchant fans (aboya) look on as (ait right) James Coleman batties in front of the Couchiching net dur- g emm lng game six at Memorial Arena Monday. Milton aost 5-4 and was eiiminated from semnifinal series play mn six games....... ,Merchants eliminated by Couchiching Milton drops -three straight on way to semifinal exit By STEVE LeBLANC The Champion It's been said good things corne in threes. TMe Merchants, bowever, found a devastating loophote t0 tbat theory - one whicb denied tbem access 10 tbe innermost sanctum of Ontario Provinciat Jr. A League playotfs. t3nable to douse the immense lirepower o! the nortb conference champion Couchiching Terriers, Milton dropped three straight games - equaling its longes( losing streak this season - l'or a heaetbreaking semifinal series exit. The local club's departure was finalized during game six at a packed Memorial Arena Monday. Like the preceding two tilts, an edge in shots on goal just didn't spell success - as once again a second-period letdown had grave consequences. Tbe Merchants gave up three goals in the mid- dle stanza - including the eventual winner with just a few seconds remaining - and were trimmed 5-4. "Couchiching's an explosive teamn that con- verted on tbe turnovers that we couldn't," said general manager Nick Slawson. "But overaîl we had a great year and accomplished a lot." Andy Rozak capitalized on the bosts' only power- play six minutes into the contest while also making tirst- period deposits - with an upstairs backhand and doorstep rebound respectively - were Shane Remenda and Dan Bognar. Unfortunately, Milton couldn't sustain its offensive pressure over the balance of the evening and inside its own blueline allowed the visitors a bit too much room to maneuver. TMis proved costly early in period two as Terriers' top gun Jas,on Pinizzotto - who shook off a temporary dry spell wih thrce assists in game fivc the previous afiernoon -walked in uncontested and potted 'Men David Wrigtey connectcd on a Iengthy W wnster at 19:44. cbecking line centre Dan DeLong buried a goal- smoutb scramble exactty four minutes into the final However, this only served as a pretude to heartbreak -as Couchicbing pmovided a strong enougb measure of defensive zone coverage to bang on for the victory. e 0e MERCHANTS on page 27 TIS> 5PIING THNIEK GO"LF! Now you can Save like crazy oAtpo-h-ine equipment and apparel from ail your favorite manufacturersl For the Blest Prices o. Mens à Ladies Apparel *Cutter & Buck , Aureus e Adidas *Taylor Made * Sun Ice - Roots Great Selection of Bucket & Golf ICaps wwwclamloesgolGolf Al wc- ivai match any .3civertiseci 1 price !