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OSHAWA -- The new year seemed to bring renewed optimism for the Durham Fury. However, in the end, it wasn't near to enough to garner a playoff spot.
As recently as last week the Fury had climbed to within three points of the North York Rangers for the final playoff spot in the Ontario Provincial Junior A Hockey League's South Division. But a loss to the Rangers on Jan. 29 thinned out the already slim playoff hopes, and after a setback to the Toronto Junior Canadiens on Saturday, the mathematics finally eliminated them from playoff contention.
So with two games remaining on the slate, tonight at St. Mike's and Tuesday at home against the Junior Canadiens, many players will be auditioning for spots on next year's squad.
A couple of players who almost certainly have locked up a gig, should they choose to return, would be captain Trevor McKinney and forward Steven Koufis. McKinney, a fourth-year veteran, has struggled to find the net at times this season, however, as the Fury made the brief push for the post-season, McKinney found the net with regularity. In his last five games he has counted for eight goals and 10 points.
Meanwhile, rookie Steven Koufis sits second in team scoring, behind only Behn Robertson, with 14-29-43 totals in 43 games. Koufis has accounted for a goal and seven assists in his last five.
Following Saturday's loss to Toronto, the Fury was at home Tuesday against Ajax and fell by an 11-7 count.
Ajax jumped out to a 7-1 lead after the opening 20 minutes, however, an eight goal second period, five of which came from the Fury made the score 10-6 heading into the third. The teams traded goals in the final stanza to close out the scoring.
FURY FILES
Brett Eagleson scored three times against Ajax, while Trevor McKinney and Michael Shirley each potted two... McKinney scored twice in the 4-3 loss to Toronto on Saturday, while Behn Robertson added one... At 13-29-5, Durham will fall short of matching last year's win total of 16.
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