Robert Slaney scores winning goal as Canada wins the World Jr. Ballhockey Championship. Canada defeated Slovakia 4-1

The Stanley Cup Arrives in Newfoundand June 30 All Photos by Gord Dunphy

Gord Dunphy with, Cabrel Richards, better know as Cabbie from, "The Score" . He was here to cover the event

Media from all over North America were at the airport to capture the Stanley Cup 's arrival and so was CBC's Zack Goudie from Here and Now

Another son of a native Laurentian making it big !! by Gord Dunphy

Robert Slaney and his Dad, Val

Robert Slaney, son of Val Slaney (Spinny) 0f Upper Island Cove is sure making his presence felt in the Canadian sports scene. Presently, St. John's are playing host to the World Jr. Ballhockey Championships and Robert Slaney is the captain of that squad. Last evening I had the opportunity to watch Robert perform and speak to his dad at the game. Val told me that,"Robert is living his life to the fullest and the family are very proud parents of their son's accomplishments." Then I said to Val, "It is too bad that you weren't still living in St.Lawrence because, Robert with his athleticism,could have been another strong Laurentian soccer player." He just smiled. Val, himself played soccer growing up in St.Lawrence with the Laurentian's and was very good at it, kind of a wild character. He has two nephews, Mike Howlett and Sheldon Slaney, currently playing on the Laurentian's team. So you can definitely see that soccer and sports in general is in this families genes.

Things just don't stop here for Robert Slaney. He is presently a member of the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Slaney was the recipient of the Marcel-Robert Trophy, which honours the QMJHL's Scholastic Player of the Year. This 20-year old Business Administration student at Cape Breton University maintained an 87% academic average. The left winger recorded 55 points (26 goals and 29 assists) in 64 games as a member of the QMJHL’s Screaming Eagles. Robert Slaney also won the Molson Canadian, Guy Lafleur Awards of Excellence for 2007-08. When I spoke to Val and asked him about his son's chances of making the NHL, he told me, "Making the NHL is no easy task" but from what I can see, when I saw him play against the St.John's Fog Devils, this kid is headed in the right direction.He has good skills,the smarts, great family support and a terrific attitude. If there is one thing I can assure him is that the town of St .Lawrence is definitely supporting him in his dreams and so is the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. I need not say no more- just ask Daniel Cleary, Brad Gushue and I'm sure the list can go on.

Good luck Robert!

Congratutulations to Gordie Dunphy in being named, "Prince of Wales Collegiate Senior Male Athlete of the Year", for 2007-08

Katie , Donna ,"Gordie", Dave

"Congratulations are extended to Gordie Dunphy, formerly of St.Lawrence, on being named

"Prince of Wales Senior Athlete of the Year" for 2007 -08. Gordie presently resides in St.Philip's. Gordie was a core member of the Prince of Wales soccer team, he was the 'MVP' on the school's basketball team. He won the coaches, "Appreciation Award" for

the senior boys basketball team. He was a member on the Prince of Wakes senior rugby team and he also was a member of the schools cross-country and track and field running teams.

He recently graduated from grade 12 with honors. Gordie plans on continuing his education at MUN where he plans on doing a Business Degree. Gordie's sister Katie, is presently a member of the Provincial Girls U-16 "A"team being coached by Dragan Mirkovic .

Gordie is the proud son of David and Donna Dunphy.

What a collision!

A super action shot by Vicki Lockyer

Here is a super photo of a collision between Mike Howlett of the St.Lawrence Laurentians and Matt Peddle, goalkeeper in Satuday June 21st/08 contest for the Mount Pearl Challenge Cup team. Both players were shook up on the play but neither one of the players suffered any type of injury on the play. Although, Mike did suffer what appeared to be a serious hamstring injury in Sunday's match, against Mount Pearl.

Great phot0 Vicki

Dragan Mirkovic - "An Amazing Soccer Man"

Gord Dunphy (left) chatting with Dragan Mirkovic, NLSA Technical Director, in St.Lawrence

Newfoundland and Larador is very fortunate to have a man of Dragan Mirkovic's ability working as our Technical Director. This past weekend I had the opportunity to have a brief chat with Dragan. Dragan is a man whom I hold in high regard. He is a man of character, knowledge and has a super passion for the game.

Just take a look at some of Dragan Mirkovic's impressive credentials.

Dragan Mirkovic came to Newfoundland from Yugoslavia where he played professional soccer for eight years. A striker, he also played several international soccer games as a member of the Yugoslavia national club. He emerged as the top scorer in the 1983 Middle Europe Cup tournament. Prior to coming to Newfoundland, Mirkovic was employed as coach of the Makarska Soccer Club's under-15-years team in Croatia.

Dragan Mirkovic is the current Head Coach of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Regional and National Training Centers, as well as Coach of the Girls Under 16 Provincial Team and the Women’s Canada Games Team. He coached the 2001 Women’s Canada Games team as well as several past Provincial Teams.

All soccer fans of Newfoundland and Labrador congratulates Harbour Grace native, Daniel Cleary, on your winning of the Stanley Cup

Danny you made the people of Newfoundland and Labrador very proud ! Gord Dunphy

Premier Danny Williams has extended congratulations to Cleary on becoming the first NHL player from this province to play on a Stanley Cup winning team. Williams says his contribution to the his team's win was significant and his performance kept the province riveted during an exciting final.

Gord Dunphy thanks sports writer, John Brown, from "The Telegram" for his kind words concerning his Blog

John Browe wrote to his readers,

"I highly recommend Gord Dunphy's soccer blog. Check it out at http://soccer2008bygorddunphy.blogspot.com/"

Again,thanks John.

Gord

Wed. June 4 Mount Pearl -1 vs Holy Cross - 0 Game Report by Gord Dunphy

Gerald Connolly records his second straight shut-out

Gerald Connolly recorded his second straight shut-out to lead Mount Pearl to victory over Holy Cross who has gone winless in their first three games of the season. Holy Cross opened up the game on the attack but it was wasted opportunities by the two Holy Cross's strikers of John Hawco and Corey Moore that spelled the final result of the contest. For Mount Pearl it was a beautiful free direct shot, taken by veteran Andrew Moyst at the 7 minute mark, that carried Mount Pearl to victory. Holy Cross's goalkeeper Tyler Putt made a major blunder on the free shot as he set up the defensive wall deep into their territory and then placed himself behind it. This allowed Moyst, who is rated as one of the provinces top free-shot specialists, to shoot the ball beside the wall scoring into a wide open net, while the keeper just stood there watching. This was followed by Mount Pearl going into a defensive shell and they played the system to perfection. Their center back duo of Jon Kelly and Victor Dray paired themselves together very well and played together, frustrating Holy Cross's attack time and time again. If the ball did get through, it was Mount Pearls player of the game, Gerald Connolly who was there to answer the call.

The second half of the game saw Justin Peckford run miles but was denied by Holy Cross's defense, led by center back Jeremy Babstock. But late into the dying seconds of the game, Holy Cross were pressing and they came within a fraction of tying the games as the ball was hit right of the top of the crossbar as a wide open net faced the Holy Cross attacker.

St. Lawrence - 2 vs St. John's U-18's - 1 Game Report by Gord Dunphy June 01

Starting Lineup
Goal: John Douglas
Fullbacks : Blair Aylward, Marc Pittman, Ryan Slaney, Andrew Perrott
Midfield : Rudy Norman, Paul Slaney, Clinton Edwards, Sean Edwards
Forwards : Sheldon Slaney, Stefan Slaney

Stefan Saney scores to lead the Laurentians to victory

"Good teams find a way to win despite playing poorly" must have been authored by the St. Lawrence Laurentians and they displayed this cliche to near perfection against the St. John's Under- 18 squad.The game was played in St. John's in rain, drizzle and fog, something that Laurentians teams have become very accustomed to. In the opening half the Under 18 squad ran the Laurentians to the ground. Actually for the first 3o minutes of the game, the Laurentians looked confused,bewildered and belittled by a group of young 16/17 year old boys playing in the Provincial Challenge Cup League on a exhibition basis only. It was during this 3o minute attack that Aaron Anstey of the U18 team pounced on one of several miscues by the Laurentians back line and scored on John Douglas for a 1-0 lead. This goal woke up the Laurentians and it was St. Lawrence's young Sean Edwards tying the score at the 37 minute mark. This score remained for the duration of the first half.
The second half saw very little difference with most of the play being dominated by the U-18 team. But despite the territorial play, the U-18 team lacked quality finishing opportunities. However,to generate spark to the Laurentians at the 65 minute mark Coach Strang looked at his bench and brought in Andrew Strang, James Grant and Dr. Paul Slaney. They replaced Captain Blair Aylward, Stefan Slaney and Sheldon Slaney. These moves played dividends. Dr. Paul strengthened the back line, while young Strang and Grant were a set of fresh legs. Shortly after these moves Paul Slaney (Jerome) was subbed and Stefan was brought back in. Even young Tristan Slaney, the Laurentians back-up keeper, saw action up front. These moves paid off for the Laurentians. At the 80 minute mark this young 15 year old kid, Stefan Slaney scored the first goal of his promising career, giving the Laurentians a 2-1 lead which stood up for the remainder of the contest. The Laurentians were very fortunate to walk away with 3 points for their efforts but the praises must go to the U-18 team and the Laurentians youngsters that competed in this contest.

In the second match : Holy Cross 1 vs Feildians 3

Feildians Goalscorers : Kevin Oram- 2 goals - 33 & 59 min,
Michael Gregory - 1 goal 75 min

Holy Cross : John Lacey - 1 goal - 80 min