Winner take all Game 5 for Vince Ryan Cup Saturday night in Membertou 8pm

The Vince Ryan Cup Final has delivered exactly what you’d expect from a Cape Breton rivalry and now, it all comes down to one game.

After four games, the series between the Cape Breton West Blackstone Knights and the Cape Breton County Islanders is deadlocked at 2-2, setting up a winner-take-all Game 5 Saturday night at Membertou Arena.

Game 1 saw Cape Breton County come out flying on home ice, delivering a dominant 7-1 victory behind a strong performance from their top players, as Logan O’Neil and Sam Gillis combined for eight points on the night. Cody Smith was solid between the pipes, making 23 saves in the win for County, who despite the layoff ,showed why they were the team to beat in Cape Breton this season.

Cape Breton County followed that up with a wild 8-5 road victory in Game 2 to take a commanding 2-0 series lead. Once again, O’Neil was the difference-maker, leading the attack with four goals, including the game-winner on the power play early in the third period. Despite the loss, Stephen Fox paced the Knights with three points. At that point, County’s offensive firepower was proving to be the story of the series.

But even in defeat, the Knights knew they were right there and they carried that belief into Game 3.

Back in Membertou, Cape Breton West tightened things up defensively and earned a gritty 3-2 road win to get back into the series. Randon MacKinnon and Stephen Fox led the way offensively, while the Knights did a strong job limiting O’Neil and Gillis to just a point each. Kenzie MacPhail was outstanding, turning aside 31 shots as the Knights made it clear the series was far from over.

Then came Game 4, the biggest game of the series, and it delivered playoff hockey at its finest.

With their backs against the wall, the Knights battled to a dramatic 3-2 double-overtime victory on home ice. After trading goals through regulation, Liam Trenholm played hero, burying the winner early in the second overtime to even the series and completely swing the momentum. MacPhail was sensational once again, stopping 40 shots as Cape Breton West forced a winner-take-all Game 5.

After two dominant wins by County, many thought the series was all but over, everyone except the Knights. Back-to-back gritty victories have brought them all the way back.

Now, it’s down to one final showdown.

Game 5. Winner takes the Vince Ryan Cup.

Saturday night is going to be something special.