The series fittingly came down to the third period of a do-or-die Game 3 with both teams deadlocked heading into the final frame.
Just 29 seconds in, however, Ross Macmillan broke the tie with an unassisted goal which would prove to be the winner as the Mighty Camels hoisted the cup with a 3-2 victory.
“It’s what we’ve been working for all year,” Macmillan said. “To win it in a great series like that against a tough opponent, makes it even better. It’s nice to win when you really know you’ve earned it.”
Macmillan finished the series with two goals and an assist for three points, thus becoming his team’s Most Valuable Player.
“It’s good, but honestly a lot of guys on the team could have got this award,” the forward said. “All year different guys have stepped it up at different times.”
Every last bit was needed to defeat the defending champions. Game 1 was won 3-2 on an overtime goal by the Camels’ Roland Svanidze before the Oilers answered back with an 8-4 explosion in Game 2.
Big win for the Dubai Mighty Camels tonight. EHL Champs!!! pic.twitter.com/UulmxeO26W
— Alex Riggs (@RiggsGolf) February 24, 2016
“In a series like this and in the playoffs, it comes down to bounces and small plays,” said Oilers defenseman Adam Meyer. “They got the right bounces, they made the little extra plays and ultimately they played well.”
Meyer, who also earned MVP for his team, was one of eight players who returned from the Oilers’ championship-winning squad the season before.
Despite the roster shake-up, the Oilers were still able to return to the finals to defend the title.
“We got stronger as the year went on and we felt really confident,” Meyer said. “We had to rely on some younger guys as well.”
