HARTLAND HOUNDS WIN VETERAN'S MEMORIAL CUP CHAMPIO

Written by: Jeff Graham  

BRIGHTON, MI - Cam Miglia's second goal of the third period stood as the game-winner as the Hartland Hounds captured the inaugural Midwest Junior Hockey League Veteran's Memorial Cup championship with a 3-2 win Friday night over Tennyson Chevrolet at the Kensington Valley Ice House.

Miglia tallied at 8:13 and 12:18 to rally the Hounds from a 2-1 deficit and sweep Tennyson in the best-of-three series.

Both teams will now represent the MWJHL at the AAU/UHU national tournament next week in Las Vegas.

"It's a good feeling," said Hartland goaltender Andrew Brownlee, who finished with 33 saves in the series clincher. "We have to get some rest and get the guys healthy who are out and get ready to go to Vegas. It was a long process to get here to this moment, but it's a new season once we go out to Vegas."

After a scoreless first period, Zach Wiacek gave Tennyson a 1-0 lead at the 12:02 mark of the second period only to have Gabe Daavettila knot the game at 1-all three minutes later.

Tennyson captain Zach Chapman put his team on top at 6:27 of the third and that set the stage for Miglia's consecutive goals.

"I think it would be way bigger to win a national championship, but it's really been a hell of a season," said Miglia. "Two goals down, one to go. That's been our goal since the beginning of the season."

Chris Lewis made 19 saves for Tennyson.

Hartland and Tennyson open national tournament play on Friday, April 5 at the Las Vegas Ice Center. Hartland will play the Northern States Hockey League champion Syracuse Stampede, while Tennyson will play a team yet to be determined from the Western States Hockey League.