MVP Neuvirth’s performance gave Bears reason to party
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 13/06/2009 (5971 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
THE Hershey Bears may have wanted to celebrate their Calder Cup championship at home but they made do with a fine little party in downtown Winnipeg on the centre ice logo of their vanquished foes. The Bears, with a startling 4-1 win over the Manitoba Moose in Game 6 of the AHL title series, earned the opportunity to pop champagne and whoop it up as only champions can.
"This never gets old," said Bears coach Bob Woods as he watched his charges receive the league trophy from AHL president Dave Andrews at the MTS Centre Friday night.
"This was a great series, we’re a great hockey team and they’re a great hockey team. It’s just a shame somebody had to lose. Two great organization and the greatest fans of the league in both cities. I think everyone should be happy with what they got to witness this year."
The Bears exploded for three firstperiod goals and never let the Moose back in the game and finally iced the action with an empty-net goal.
"I was nervous right up until we scored the empty-net goal," said Woods. "Our guys never lost focus on what we wanted to do. They’re a determined bunch and it’s just a privilege to have worked with them."
The Bears led the series 3-1 and had a chance with a Game 5 win to be the first Hershey club in almost 30 years to clinch a Calder Cup in the Pennsylvania town.
But the Moose won Game 5 and moved the series back to Winnipeg. Hershey, however, brought their entire front office staff as well as the players’ families.
"This is awesome," said Bears captain and one-time Moose Bryan Helmer, with his young children hugging his shin pads and looking up at their gizzled father.
"It feels unbelievable. I’m speechless. This group, we’re like one big family and its been great to play with these guys. Our goalie, Neuvy (Michal Neuvirth), he’s the reason we won it. He’s the MVP of the playoffs and he deserves it."
Neuvirth, just 20 and trying desperately but failing to grow a playoff beard, couldn’t get over the shock of winning.
"We won the Calder Cup. I can’t believe it," said the young Czech after making 24 saves to cap off a brilliant series and earning MVP honours.
"I can’t believe this is happening right now. I think we were the better team. I have to thank my teammates and my coaches. I felt good."
gary.lawless@freepress.mb.ca