The rules, the rules, the league overturning a referee's decision and all the rest of it.

Fact is, the Peterborough Stars could muster just a single goal against a rigid and staunch Bowmanville Eagles team defence.

That was in three games. The Stars' offence went into the tank when they needed it most.

The Bowmanville Eagles enter into the East's final four fray as they did last year.

But it is with a much different team than the one Curtis Hodgins coached last year. That team was a veteran and talented group. they finished first in the regular season and much was expected of them.They lost a stunning best of seven East semi to the underdog Kingston Voyageurs and their whole season of high expectations came crashing down.

Dan West's team this year is a young one. They made some key acquisitions throughout the season and nurtured the youngsters along.

Forward Mike Madgett came over from Lindsay, Chris Marchant from Durham and Michael Gilchrist came in from Mississauga.
They brought in a strapping 230 pound defenceman Spencer Wells from Surrey BC.

They lost a league-leading ten overtime games and cut their teeth the hardest of ways during the regular season. But there was little doubt that the Eagles could well have finished a lot higher in the standings had they been able to find some offence.

They scored a modest 135 goals in 49 games of the season. West stayed with his program and insisted on a tight defensive Eagles' game and that may well have been their best asset. Undaunted, they entered the playoffs best of five the underdog against a very good Peterborough Stars' team.

The Eagles, have indeed, come a long way this year. They have 5 1990 and 3 1991 prospects in their lineup. And another healthy number of 1989-born players.

With veterans Budziakowski their captain, and Fracz as last year juniors leading the way, the Eagles have built what looks to be a very good team for next season and beyond provided they get their returning players back into the fold.

Whatever happens for them the rest of the way, it could be considered valuable playoff experience for this young young contingent.

But then, these Eagles are not in it, just for the experience. They upset Peterborough team with a stifling team defence and some stellar goaltending. They appear to be getting the hang of what it takes.

For their next round opponent, they'll not be an easy team to contend with. Some pundits will say ,"I told you so." For Eagles' fans, it is the beginning of some good years ahead.

Stay tuned.

Wayjoy

is dan clarke the next dan mcwhinney ?