Monday April 23 (Division 1 final)
Punisher's blow their lead twice, Hustlers triumph in spectacular fashion
It was a quick, high paced series, one that came to be expected-from two very good hockey teams. With that said, it was very important for either club to grab the first game. The Punishers appeared to be that team up until a late collapse suggested otherwise. The Hustlers scored two very late goals before bringing it a step further winning the shootout round. E.Girouard bagged a pair while scoring in the breakaways, as did T.Bozinakis, who leveled the game with only a minute left on the clock. Despite suffering a heart breaking loss, the Punishers erased harsh memories by responding immediately with four first period goals. That sequence put them in an almost identical position like in the previous match. But for the lessons that the Punishers just came to learn, they appeared to be a team that flirts with danger. For a second straight game, they invited frustration unable to protect a cushion that they worked so hard for. The Hustlers once again pulled off an incredible feat. Although they have the players to do so, one did stand out a little more on this night. E.Girouard put together another solid display by riffling three goals, two in which came only 90 seconds apart that tied the game 4-4.Then,only 30 seconds later, A.Stamiris snapped the tie and the Hustlers never looked back en route to a 6-4 victory. The Hustlers knew it was going to be a difficult challenge but they still found a way. On behalf of Hockeyballe.com, congratulations go out to George Panagiotopoulos, Steve Govas, Peter Icon and the rest of the Hustlers for getting it done.
(5)Punishers vs Hustlers(7) S.O Game 1
(6)Hustlers vs Punishers(4) Game 2
The SalumiVino player of the night goes to Eric Girouard. By sparking five goals while adding a shootout marker, there was no doubt in anyone's mind that the established goal scorer merits the honor.
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