CREDIT: FANSHAWE ATHLETICS
Fanshawe forward Dylan Thomas skates in for a breakaway on London Police Goalie Jon Wickens with defenceman Tom Policelli close behind.

It was a thrilling game full of end-to-end action with an exciting finish as the Fanshawe College men's hockey team faced off against the London Police Service Select team on November 13 at Stronach Arena.

The game was played in support of the United Way of London- Middlesex and featured the best players from the London Police Service, including several with professional hockey experience, taking on Fanshawe.

The game also had another fun twist as the leaders of both organizations stepped behind the bench to take roles as honorary head coaches. London Police Chief Brad Duncan and Fanshawe College President Dr. Howard Rundle faced off against each other for the first Fanshawe College Community Cup. The event raised $500 for the United Way of London-Middlesex.

The Falcons came out flying as Aaron Dartch of London scored less than three minutes into the game and then again four minutes later to give the Falcons an early 2- 0 lead. The London Police Selects battled back with two goals of their own coming from Matt Mezenberg and Brad Yeo. Brendan Merritt of Brantford scored with less than a minute remaining in the period and Fanshawe went into the first intermission with a 3-2 lead.

The second period was a hard battle with the lone goal coming with only a second on the clock from Dylan Thomas of Lambeth to give Fanshawe a 4-2 lead going into the third period of play.

The London Police Select turned up the volume in the third period with a goal only 10 seconds into the period from Chris Triemstra to narrow the deficit to one. Three power plays, including an extended 4-on-3 advantage, were too much for Fanshawe as Brandon McCoy scored with 4:18 left to tie up the game.

The London Police continued to ride the momentum swing with a goal with 1:37 remaining in the game from Fraser Smith to seal the victory and the first annual Fanshawe College Community Cup.

"Overall it was a really good game for us," said Craig Brown, the London Police Select captain. "Momentum really shifted for us in the third period."

"The game really had a quick pace to it. We are definitely looking forward to it next year."

It was only the first loss the Fanshawe team has had through five games so far this season which has already included winning the prestigious Steve Blundy Tournament in Oakville the week prior for the third year in a row. That tournament win guaranteed them a spot in OCCCR men's hockey championship hosted by Durham College on March 21 and 22.

"I'm really proud of the way our team is coming together," said Eric Collins, Fanshawe College head hockey coach. "We've had some pretty good teams in my four years coaching at Fanshawe and this team will certainly stack up amongst the best of them in terms of character."

"I'm very proud of the sense of responsibility this team has when it comes to their College and surrounding community. I had a player before the game hand me a hat with money the team had collected amongst themselves to give to the United Way. That's the kind of stuff we're trying to instill in our guys here and I was proud to see it."

Ryan Johnson, in his second season with the Fanshawe men's hockey program, said after the game he was very proud. The Respiratory Therapy student said the players didn't need to be reminded how important this event was.

"The boys really appreciated the support from not only the College, but also the local community," he said. "It was great to see everyone come together to help us fundraise for such a great cause as the United Way."

"As a team I think we played well. We're looking forward to continuing to play at this level and in the rest of our tournaments on our way to the championship."