Growlers beat the Beast in OT, advance to Round 2 of playoffs

The Newfoundland Growlers are making their first season in St. John's one to remember, clinching an overtime win Tuesday night to send the team on to the second round of the ECHL playoffs.

Shortly after Growler Sam Jardine scored 23 seconds into sudden death overtime to defeat the Brampton Beast 3-2, his fellow teammates were still pinching themselves.

"It's unbelievable," said Scott Pooley, who scored twice in Game 6, with his second goal late in the third period tying up the game and sending it into overtime.

But Pooley felt it wasn't just the talent on the ice at Mile One Centre that carried Tuesday's win.

"The crowd really helped us," he said. "Coming home, it was obviously a huge boost."

Head Coach John Snowden agreed.

"The city's embraced us," he said, reflecting back on the team's inaugural season, which he said has seen fans pack into the stands in support.

"This year's been a special one from the start."

• Newfoundland Growlers mark their territory

'Blessed' by baby

The day was doubly special for Snowden. He was by his wife's side much earlier in the day — around 2 a.m. — as they welcomed a brand new baby daughter into the world.

"We're really happy, really blessed," said Snowden, adding he "slept for two hours the past two days."

Snowden and the rest of the team aren't set to get much of a breather. Round two of the playoffs begins Friday evening at Mile One against the Manchester Monarchs.

"We want to continue to climb that mountain," said Snowden.

Games 1 and 2 of the best-of-seven series will be played at Mile One. If necessary, games six and seven would also be in St. John's.

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