Centennials look to clinch Schmalz Cup on home ice

AYR — Scott Eby has reason to celebrate.

“It’s my birthday,” the Ayr Centennials coach said Tuesday.

But the 40-something bench boss is hoping to keep the party going Wednesday at the North Dumfries Community Complex.

That’s when his Cents can clinch their second straight Schmalz Cup, the cake of the Jr. C loop.

“Our fan support has been amazing,” said the skipper. “Hopefully, the barn is full on Wednesday and we can do something special for them.”

Ayr dropped the first two games in the best-of-seven series to the Port Hope Panthers before stringing together three victories to set up the potential Game 6 clincher.

The Centennials were outscored 12-2 in the first two clashes but have allowed just four goals in the past three games, which included a 3-1 win Friday at home and a 4-1 victory Sunday in Port Hope.

“There was no panic,” said Eby, despite the team’s struggles early on. “We’re just doing the things that we’ve done well all year. I think it’s wearing down on them (Panthers).”

Six different players scored the seven markers potted by Ayr this past weekend as the club continues to win by committee. Goalie Jackson Swindells remains a rock in net.

“We’ve just stayed focused,” said forward Hudson Michaelis. “We knew we had another gear to go. We just flipped the switch.”

Ayr battled back from a 3-1 series deficit against Essex in the Schmalz Cup semifinals, and that emotional comeback took a toll.

“We had a tough series against Essex and the boys were a little tired,” said Michaelis. “I think it was just a matter of time until we found our game.” But nobody is celebrating yet. Like Ayr, Port Hope is a veteranladen squad and hungry for its first championship after being runnerups the past two seasons.

Still, the idea of winning on home ice is alluring.

“We know if we get that win, Ayr is going to be buzzing,” said Michaelis, who won a Cherrey Cup with the Cambridge Winter Hawks in 2013.

“We’re super excited. Everybody is having fun and smiling. There is no bad energy.”

A victory would also cap an incredible birthday week for their coach.

“I’m not feeling any older,” said Eby. “But I might have a little bit more grey hair (due to the close series).”

Game 6 starts at 7:30 p.m., while Game 7, if necessary, goes Friday at Port Hope’s Jack Burger Sports Complex, also at 7:30 p.m.