Sunday night ’ s first game saw a highly anticipated match up between two of the leagues top offensive squads, with the first place Lions taking on the third place Bears. On paper, it appeared as though it was going to be close and even battle, but it turned out to be anything but that. The Bears were finally able to do what no other team this year had been able to, and kept the Lions dynamic duo of Mark Paas and Robin Rip le y off the score sheet. The Lions, meanwhile were also able to do something that no other team has done this year by keeping Steve Clark out of the penalty box. This proved to be a mistake for the Lions.

The fast paced first period saw the teams trade chances until about midway through the first when Jon Watson put the puck past Lions tender Mario Beaulac after some solid work in front of the net. The smoke had barely settled after the first goal, when the B ears lit the lamp again, this time it was the rookie speedster Mike Thor n burn. The flood gates had been opened and the rout was on, as the Lions never seemed to recover. The Bears top gun Steve Clark furthered his attempts to become the first player in league history to lead the league in both points and penalty minutes, as he burned the Lions for 4 points in the first period alone. The Lions had a chance to steal some momentum from the Bears near the end of the first period as one of the Lions was able to break free for a breakaway, but Bears goalie Thomas Schnitzer made a sprawling save to keep his dreams of a shutout alive. The first period came to an end with the Lions licking their wounds down 4-0.

The second period started just as the first had ended with the B ears dominating all aspects of play. De ja vu struck when the first goal of the period was again scored by Jon Watson doing his best Dave Andreychuck impersonation. The Bears continued to prove just how well rounded they are as Bob Macleod and Greg Walsh also found the back of the net in the second period, with Mike Thornburn picking up 2 assists. The Bears were given a gut check late in the period as they saw there spiritual leader Dave Campbell, leave the game to get his face sewn back on, in an injury that will no doubt end his days as a model.

The Bears offensive explosion continued into the third were they showed no mercy despite being up 7-0. Mike Thornburn was able to bury his hat trick goal and pick up his 5 th point of the night. The Bears climbed into double digits with a beautiful goal from Greg Walsh after a pretty set up by Clark, who also picked up his 5 th point of the night. The Bears were not done yet though as they sent a message to the rest of the league by adding an 11 th goal and turning it into a score you are more likely to see at a CFL game then a hockey game. Austrian sensation Thomas Schnitzer posted his second shutout in as many games.

The high flying B ears have now outscored their opponents 17 -0 in their last 2 games. They are firing on all cylinders with everyone contributing. They are proving the pre season rumblings to be true as they are now definitely the team to watch.

Three Stars

#1 Mike Thorburn

#2 Steve Clark