The Camrose Crush came back from and 0-2 series deficit, winning three games in a row, to defeat the President's Cup winning Lacombe Generals 2-1 in the 5th and deciding game of the NCHL finals series in front of a large, boisterous crowd in Lacombe Saturday night.
The Crush rode a goal and an assist from Ryley Bennefield and clutch goaltending from Connor Dobberthien to capture their first Vanberg Cup in their first season after relocating from Daysland to Camrose last spring.
Photo Credit Game Ready Photography - Debra Kaban - Bonnyville
Lacombe wasn't without their opportunities though, as former longtime Daysland Northstar Colin Zimmer was stymied by Dobberthien on a second period penalty shot, as well as 2 breakaways. Jared Williams also had a number of good scoring chances.
Crush veteran, Ryley Bennefield was awarded the NCHL's Playoff MVP after scoring 17 goals in the 13 games Camrose played.
Photo Credit - Game Ready Photography - Debra Kaban - Bonnyville
Tylor Keller - Jerry Muise
Photo Credit - Tony Kulbisky
Tylor Keller - Jerry Muise
Photo Credit - Tony Kulbisky
Tylor Keller - Jerry Muise - Sam Maupin
Photo Credit - Tony Kulbisky
This brings an end to the 2021-2022 NCHL season. The 2021-2022 Alberta Senior AA Provincial Hockey Championship is this coming weekend in Fort Saskatchewan. The NCHL will be well represented by the Camrose Crush, Lacombe Generals, and the Fort Saskatchewan Chiefs. The Wainwright Rustlers round out the teams in the tournament.
