BRADFORD WINS TWO; GMHL ALUMNI NEWS
(Bradford, ON; November 26, 2012)
Sean Werth
The Bradford Rattlers cut it close this weekend, but the undefeated streak is still intact. One goal victories over the South Muskoka Shield and Shelburne Red Wings have extended the Rattlers win streak to 21 games.
A much anticipated game in Gravenhurst against the South Muskoka Shield kicked off weekend action for Bradford. The Shield made several roster moves in preparation of the game, including re-signing their leading scorer of the last two seasons Donny Danroth and acquiring GMHL veteran forward Brodie McDonald. Despite giving Bradford arguably their toughest test of the season, the Rattlers eventually won the game 6-5. Strong efforts from Aaron Scott (3g, 0a) and Sebastion Forslund (1g, 4a) were crucial in the victory. South Muskoka actually outshot the Rattlers 46-40, but LoParco played solid for Bradford in goal.
Also of note this game, Oliver Gustafsson returned to the line-up after missing the a large chunk of games due to injury.
The next night saw the Shelburne Red Wings come to the BWG to take on the Rattlers. Shelburne has struggled most of the season, making coaching changes and several roster shake-ups. Of which, was signing their starting goalie of last season and former GMHL all-star Anton Todykov. The Rattlers outshot the Wings 80-30 on route to a 3-2 victory. Forslund notched two goals in the game while Conor Smith scored the other. As mentioned, Shelburne’s goalie Todykov held them in the game, despite atleast 75% of the game taking place in the Red Wings zone.
GMHL President Bob Russell, who was in attendance of the Rattlers game, commented on the performance in Bradford last night: “(I) witnessed some of the best goaltending I've ever seen last night in Bradford (by) Shelburne goalie Anton Todykov.” This speaks to the parody in the GMHL this season, any team has a chance to win every-night. Teams are fine-tuning their rosters in preparation of the second half of the season as every game holds more importance.
The Rattlers encourage all of their fans to come on out and watch next Sunday's game against the Rama Aces. Puck drop will be 7:30pm at the BWG.
In league news, the GMHL would like to congratulate Alexander Galaysha on his KHL debut with Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk. Alexander is a 6'4", 200lbs goaltender born in 1991 from Astana, Kazahkstan. He holds citizenships in Russia and his home country Kazahkstan.
In the GMHL, Galaysha suited up for the Jamestown Jets in the 2010-11 season. After graduating from the Jets, Galaysha landed a back-up role on Mytischi Atlanti to play in Russia’s top junior league, the MHL.
Galaysha found a starting job with Mamonty Yugry mid-way through last season and was able to record a respectable 2.74GAA and .894SV%. Alexander was re-signed to another junior contract with Mamonty Yugry for this season. However, due to injuries on Mamonty's KHL affiliate, Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk, he has been given a shot with the big club.
After training with the KHL club for most of this season, Alexander finally saw ice in relief of Yugra's starting goalie. Alexander stopped every puck thrown his way in his first professional game.
Alexander is the second of the GMHL alumni to reach the KHL; the first being former Bradford Rattler Artoym Podshendyalov. Making it to professional hockey is no small feat, let alone making a professional debut in Europe's top league during a locked-out NHL season. Congratulations Alexander!
