Stratford Cullitons vs the St. Marys Lincolns. Photo:Bill Bourne

Jan. 30, 2010 William Allman Arena Stratford, Ontario.

Bright skies, frigid temperatures, hockey lovers and an appearance by Don Cherry....what else could be expected?

One of the final events of Tim Horton's Hockey Day in Canada festivities was a scheduled GOJHL game between historical rivals the Stratford Cullitons and the St. Marys Lincolns.

Pre-game ceremonies began with a march in by local Canadian Armed Forces troops and peacekeepers to a standing ovation by the 2300 fans filling the famous hockey haven.

Opening words by Don McLean of CBC's Hockey Night in Canada pumped the crowd up for the appearance of Don Cherry, and the coach did not disappoint. Cherry delighted the crowd with his remembrance of trying for a playing comeback in this venue and happily reporting of its success.

McLean moved on to his next duty of introducing convalescing OHA linesman Kevin Brown to drop the puck for the ceremonial face off between Jamie Nelson of Stratford and Anthony Sobocynski of St. Marys.

Game action commenced and produced a fast paced first period with scoring chances at a premium and neither team able to successfully put the puck behind the goaltenders.

In the second frame Stratford initiated the scoring and secured a lead of 2-0 mid way through on goals by Myles Melchers and Kurtis Bailey. A time-out by St. Marys coach Merlin Malinowski appeared to spark the Lincolns as Sobocynski and Paul Thompson deposited goals within twenty seven seconds to knot the score.

The Cullitons again took the lead in the third on a tally by Brad McClure only to see Blair Brewer of St. Marys tie things up again three minutes later.

As the huge crowd seemed ready for overtime, Bailey fired a wicked wrist shot past St. Marys net minder Steve Heming with fifty six seconds remaining giving Stratford a 4-3 lead. A frenzied finish was topped of by an empty net clincher by Brock Reynolds.

The 5-3 Cullitons' victory evened up the Highway Seven recent series at one home ice victory each and left players and fans eager for the next installment.