The playoffs started as they normally do full of promise and excitement. Both the Thrashers and Silverkings swept through the first round to meet in the finals against each other in a repeat of the finals of the 2008/2009 season, but the playoffs certainly did not end normally. Due to circumstances beyond the players control the finals were put on hold, cancelled and on again causing a lot of mixed emotions for players and fans alike. Because of boardroom politics the rightful winners of the finals are not representing their league at the provincials and the not deserving third place team is going in the winners place. As a result of all this there was no presentation of the cup or banner to the Silverkings denying them of what they had rightfully earned.

The Silverkings pushed hard in the first period and Drew Power was rewarded with the first goal of the game. The Thrashers were able to get past goalie Aaron Molnar tying the game at 1 apiece, during a power play late in the first period they were able to pull ahead ending the period 2 to 1 for the Thrashers. Scott Carragher scored the only goal in the second period the tie the game at 2 goals apiece. The 3^rd period was quick and fast paced with play going from one end to the other building suspense. Halfway through the period Dan Cochrane was able to get the puck past Thrasher goalie Mike Vaughan to give the Silverkings the lead. Fred Walsh, Matt Seymour and Thatcher Bell added to the scoreboard to end the game with a score of 6 to 2 and the Silverkings win the championship for the second year in a row.

Once again the Black's Harbour Silver Kings have been crowned champions of the SNBSHL. Congratulations to the players and staff of the Silvers Kings for a hard fought and well deserved title. Once again, you have provided your fans with another season of highly entertaining, high caliber hockey. Well done!!! On another note, it is unfortunate that so many around the league only get to see one side of Merle Stewart--the intense and fierce scrapper behind the bench who often is at the centre of controversy and criticism. Many of us in our small community of Blacks Harbour get to see another side. A man who is not only dedicated to his team, but also concerned about the fans, minor hockey, the curling club and some of the youth in our community (even though he doesn't live here). It is rare in these days to find people like Merle who are always willing to step up to the plate when necessary and who refuse to take no for an answer. For that, I tip my hat to you sir. Hold your head high Merle, unlike some others in the league, you are a true gentleman.

Sincerely. Barry Stewart