As it has throughout the series, the score—6-2 in this game—didn’t tell the story, but there was no denying the better team won.

“I think we had some lucky bounces,” said Clare Lions general manager Francis Robichaud. “Valley played a good game, but they didn’t have many scoring chances. Our defence definitely played better than our forwards. We’ll have to pick that play up.”

Robichaud, who said he seldom singled out opposing players for praise, was enthusiastic about the game of Keith’s goalie Chris Whitmore who he said made at least five spectacular saves among the 34 shots he faced. Several times, Whitmore’s glove hand snagged shots that could have scored.

Lions goalie Jeremy McKinnon was equally strong, stopping 28 of 30 shots, including a Keith’s power play that may have been the team’s best played of the season.

“The guys worked hard,” said Keith’s coach Jim Verran. “I don’t think we gave it away.”

Keith’s general manager Steve Clayton agreed, and said a “quality team” beat the Keith’s. However, he was impressed by the play of his team and how far its members had come since early practices in September and October.

There were a few bad bounces that left the Keith’s down 4-1 at the end of the second period—goals that didn’t reflect the play, Clayton said.

The calibre of play in the league is also attracting good players, like Cody White who scored one of the Keith’s two goals, said Clayton. “Other players are seeing it’s not a league for goons anymore.”

Friday’s was the final game for Keith’s captain Mike Dauphinee, who will be too old next season for Junior C, but Clayton said most of the team will still be eligible.

The Lions finished off the Keiths Friday with two-goal performances from Daniel Arsenault and Marc Lombard, while Jacques Lombard and Jordan O'Leary added singles.

Along with White’s goal, Andrew Verran replied for the Keith’s.

The Lions now face the Barrington Ice Dogs next week in the West Division Final. The Ice Dogs also won Saturday, sweeping their series with Yarmouth.