Polar Bear Midgets Lose Chance to Go Downstate In Overtime

NEGAUNEE, MI - Monday, February 23, 2009 - The Polar Bear Midget BB Hockey team missed a trip to the Michigan state championship by 1 goal – and a controversial one at that.

After fighting through tough competition in the early rounds, the Polar Bears faced the tournament favorites from Newberry at 6:00 PM on Sunday evening in Negaunee. After playing a scoreless first period, the Polar Bears jumped out to a 3-0 lead by the end of the second period. The Newberry Timberwolves roared back with their own 3 goals in the top half of the third period. With the end of regulation time approaching, Kyle Anderson launched a hard shot at point blank range – the puck hit the back of the net and bounced back out. The goal judge turned on the goal light and the scorekeeper put another goal on the board. But the referee overturned the decision and waived off the goal. The third period ended with the score all tied up at 3. Just 25 seconds into the Overtime frame, Newberry scored the winning sudden death goal and, with it, won the District 8 Championship and the right to play for the Michigan title.

The Negaunee rink was standing room only – Newberry fans showed up in full force and outnumbered us some 5 to 1. Additionally, the game was broadcast back in Newberry on local radio station WNBY.

The photo above depicts the team with the runner-up trophy.