[Derek Sutton]

It is going to be an all Calgary South Final in the AMHL South this year as both the Buffaloes and the Royals swept the second round. Not a surprise for the Buffaloes but some would find the Royals advancing, winning over Lethbridge one. Lethbridge had a great run leading up to and including the Mac's but really dropped off. Watched every game in this series and was really impressed with the Royals. Hard forecheck, hard back check, they protect the house very well, don't panic and capitalized on their chances, great coaching to as far as bench management and having all the kids play an effective system against Lethbridge, oh, and the goalie was great to, giving up 5 goals on over 100 shots in the two overtime wins in Lethbridge. Should be a great series for the South Final.

Hard to believe, not having kids myself, it only seems like yesterday I was coaching my nephew in Novice and last night was his last minor hockey game. As much as losing sucks, he summed up the Mac's final loss and last nights loss the same way, his words were, "Well we are all going to go on in hockey and lose bigger games than this but we are also going to go on and win bigger games to". Having won provincials the past three years and a bronze at Westerns in bantam and Bronze at the Telus Cup (Nationals) last year he is certainly ready to move on to Junior next year.