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Howard Faces Ferbey in Final Match

- Article by Brad Norman

Glenn Howard will have an opportunity to defend his Players' Championship crown on Sunday, as his team from Ontario has qualified for the final game. His opponent will be Alberta's Randy Ferbey.

Howard reached this point by crushing Mike McEwen in the semi-finals with a 7-1 score. Ferbey, however, had a much more difficult game. He was taking on provincial rival Kevin Martin.

Martin has had a rough schedule lately, fresh off his appearance at the world championship. And the wear and tear of a long season and a busy schedule finally cought up with the old bear. The tank ran dry in the semi-final game, as Randy Ferbey pulled ahead of Martin, winning the game 6-5 and advancing to the championship game.

With Howard advancing and Martin being eliminated, Howard already comes away from this event a winning. Regardless of what happens in the championship game, Glenn Howard's team will accumulate enough Capital One Cup points to claim the first ever Capital One Cup and the $50, 000 price that goes with it.

In a press release, Howard spoke about winning the Capital One Cup.

"It's absolutely fantastic . . . To win the Capital One Cup for the first time is pretty special. An extra $50,000 for the Cup. Love it."

In addition to the money, there's more on the line for Team Ferbey in this championship match. A win will directly qualify them for next year's Olympic Trials. If Ferbey loses, Wayne Middaugh will swipe that spot.