Brewers Captain Brett McLean fires in a shot on Markham goalie Daryl Rothon during the Sunset Cup April 1.

Hub Staff

The Guelph Brewers took the Sunset Cup when the 3HL toured Saugeen Shores April 1. The Brewers team featured local talent such as Brett and Miles MacLean, Greg Virgo and Saugeen Shores Winterhawks defenceman, Theo Peckham and beat the Toronto Bees 5-0 in the “March Madness” style 3 on 3 tournament winning $7,000, a share of the $15,000 in prize money doled out at during the tournament.

Members of the Saugeen Shores Winterhawks took to the ice for a “play-in” game against last place 3HL team, the Kitchener Lions, but lost 2-1 in overtime and did not advance into the tournament. Winterhawks forward Curtis Johnston said the game, which lasted two seven-minute halves, was “fast paced hockey”, adding that the 3HL style of hockey, which features instantaneous puck drops and no calls for icing and offsides, was “different, tough and fast paced”. Johnston said the game between the Hawks and Lions could have gone either way but the Hawks just couldn’t pull it together in time.

Winterhawk defenceman and Guelph Brewers player, Theo Peckham, proudly stated that the Brewers were the team to beat in the Sunset Cup, calling 3HL fun and different and a change of pace. The former NHLer, known as an “enforcer”, said there is very little body contact in the league. “If there is, if you go try and hit somebody and you miss, it’s usually a 2-on-1 or 3-on-1 or a breakaway so you don’t really try to hit guys too often,” said Peckham.

In a statement following the tournament, 3HL Anchor and Media Relations Director Patrick Gregorie said it had been a successful event at the Plex. “The local fans from the Saugeen Shores loved seeing the fast paced three-on-three hockey action and of course it was a bonus that the Guelph Brewers won the tournament.”

Fans who couldn't make the tournament can view Sunset Cup online. The 3HL tour will wrap up its season in Markham April 22 and Oshawa May 6.

Winterhawks Curtis Johnston with teammate and Guelph Brewers player Theo Peckham and Ken Peroff of the Guelph Brewers at the Sunset Cup.

Winterhawks Andy Mitchell’s shot on net was blocked by Kitchener Lions goaltender David Serra. The Winterhawks lost 2-1 during the match-up and did not advance.

Miles McLean advancing the Brewers score against the Markham Millionaires during the Sunset Cup April 1.

Newmarket Saints Captain Chris MacKinnon is eyed up by Toronto Bees Rob Kwiet, during the Sunset Cup, April 1.

Event organizer, 3HL CEO Justin Fox, with Saugeen Shores Mayor Mike Smith following the ceremonial puck drop during the Sunset Cup April 1. Photo submitted

Brett McLean on a breakaway.