The Minto Midget Mad Dogs captured the WOAA minor hockey crown on Feb. 1, by defeating the Durham Huskies 4-0 at the Harriston Arena.
Minto started their playoff run with a 3-0 series sweep over the heavily favoured Wingham Ironmen and carried that momentum into the division championship series against Durham, which began on Jan. 29 in Harriston.
Game one was a hard fought affair, highlighted by a hat trick by Brent Dunbar, leading Minto to a 4-2 win. Brett Maher had the other goal for Minto. Brandon MacDonald was strong in the Minto net as he won his fourth consecutive playoff start.
Game two was played on Jan. 31 in Durham. Minto got off to a sluggish start and fell behind 2-0 early in the game before storming back to a 4-3 win on goals by Maher, Dunbar, David Hagerman (shorthanded) and Josh Hoffele. Chris Hardie had two assists in the win. Thwarting any comeback, Minto goaltender Brett Cook robbed a Durham player on a breakaway when it appeared he was clearly beaten on a deke. While lying on the ice, he somehow reached back and snagged the puck, taking away a sure goal.
Game three was played on Feb. 1 in Harriston. From the drop of the puck, it became clear that, despite several heartbreaking losses in recent years, this time Minto would not be denied the WOAA crown. The game was entirely dominated by Minto as Hagerman led Minto with a pair of goals (one shorthanded), while Ryan Binkle and Cody MacDonald (captain Mac) added singles for a 4-0 win. Brandon MacDonald continued the outstanding goaltending that frustrated Wingham in the first round, making several difficult saves look routine.
As the final buzzer sounded, the players mobbed goaltenders MacDonald and Cook. Minto captain Cody MacDonald and assistants Ryan Woestenenk and Jon Ditner were presented with the WOAA  trophy by regional convenor Brian Hopper and congratulated  on their win. The Midgets won with sportsmanship and class. There were no brooms. There was no taunting. There was, however, a tremendous sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
Coach Steve Henderson and assistants Aaron Small and Chad Campbell will now lead Minto into the  all Ontario OMHA playdowns. Minto’s opponent in the OMHA quarter final is yet to be determined. Visit  mintominorhockey.ca for schedule and updates. Please show your support by attending future games and  cheering on your Mad Dogs in their quest for the all Ontario title.
The tentative playoff schedule is as follows:
Fri., Feb. 12 – 8:20 p.m. in Stayner
Sun., Feb. 14 – 1 p.m. in Harriston
Tues., Feb. 16 – 8 p.m. in Stayner
Thursday, Feb. 18 – 8:30 p.m. in Palmerston
Sat., Feb. 20 – 8:30 p.m. in Stayner
Sun., Feb. 21 – 8 p.m. in Palmerston (only if series tied)