Great Lakes Final Has CK Connection

Although each of Chatham-Kent’s teams were eliminated from the Great Lakes Junior C playoffs, the Great Lakes final won’t be without a Chatham-Kent connection.

The reigning champion Essex 73s feature two former Chatham Maroons. Chatham’s Brett Clarke patrols the Essex blueline, while Darien Ekblad, who was the Chatham Maroons starting goaltender up until midseason this year, will backstop the 73s in the final.

In the opening game of the series, Darien Ekblad made 23 saves for Essex in a 6-1 win. Brett Clarke scored for the 73s, who have yet to lose a game this postseason.

On the other side of the puck, another former Maroon, Mike Ditty will be counted upon to help power the Belle River Canadiens offense. Tilbury’s Trevor Sparks is also playing up front for the Canadiens.

Former Chatham-Kent Cyclones defenseman Kody Gagnon, who played for the Cyclones Minor Midget ‘AAA’ team last season has been a key contributor on the Canadiens’ blueline all season, and will again be counted on for critical minutes in the final.