The Portage Lake Pioneers emerged victorious once again in the annual Gibson Cup series, sweeping the Calumet Wolverines for the second consecutive year. The Pioneers secured a 5-3 win on Friday at the Calumet Colosseum, claiming one of hockey’s oldest trophies in front of a jubilant crowd.
After a drought of not winning the rivalry since 2017, the Pioneers were elated with their back-to-back victories. Forward Anthony Harris expressed the team’s sentiment, calling the win a special achievement and highlighting the joy of winning at the Colosseum.
Teammate Jonathan Bostwick echoed the significance of the Cup, emphasizing the team’s pride in retaining the trophy for more than one year. The Pioneers had dominated the Wolverines throughout the regular season and post-season tournament, securing their seventh victory against their closest league opponent.
The game saw intense action on the ice, with the Pioneers setting the tone early in the first period. Goals from Nick Harris and Cody Sivonen gave Portage Lake a comfortable lead, which they maintained throughout the game. Despite a late surge from the Wolverines in the third period, the Pioneers held on for a 5-3 victory.
The win was a bittersweet moment for the Wolverines, who acknowledged their challenging season but also recognized the growth and camaraderie within the team. Veteran player Mike Babcock commended the Pioneers for their strong performance, noting their depth and confidence on the ice.
Overall, the Gibson Cup series showcased the competitive spirit and sportsmanship of both teams, with the Portage Lake Pioneers emerging as the deserving champions once again.