RedHawks win Sutherland Cup in OT, cap dominant season

CAMBRIDGE, Ont. The Sutherland Cup is back in Cambridge. Kyler Morgan scored 7:19 into overtime as the Cambridge RedHawks beat the St. Marys Lincolns 4-3 in Game 5. This victory clinched the series 4-1 and gave the franchise its first championship under the RedHawks name.

The game felt like a classic from the start. Cambridge took an early lead with goals from Alexander Forrest and Tyler Graham, making it 2-0 after 20 minutes. The atmosphere in Galt Arena Gardens was electric.

However, St. Marys rallied. The Lincolns tied the game with two quick goals. After Cameron Fries put Cambridge back in front late in the third period, St. Marys responded with just 18 seconds left, sending the game into overtime.

That’s when Morgan scored the championship-winning goal, ending the game and the series in a thrilling finish.

Experience matters. In the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League, championship runs often depend on veteran players. Cambridge proved this to be true. Overage players, or 20-year-olds in their last year of junior eligibility, played a significant role in the RedHawks’ playoff journey. Their calmness in high-pressure situations, especially during the final moments and overtime of Game 5, was critical. This trend is common across the league, as experienced players often help teams through the playoffs.

The win marks the first Sutherland Cup title since the franchise moved from Guelph in 2018 and became the RedHawks. But Cambridge has a history of success. Previous junior hockey teams in the city, especially the Cambridge Winter Hawks, won multiple Sutherland Cups, creating a legacy that established the city as a strong contender in Junior B hockey. Now, the RedHawks add their own chapter.

This title caps off an impressive year for Cambridge, turning regular-season success into a championship. This time, they didn’t just win; they did it in style.