Monday December 2

Punishers head to final after impressive regular season

The Punishers added to their impressive reputation Monday, picking up their 17th win with a pair of victories over the Armadillos. By claiming first place, only one team will stand in their way as they patiently wait in the final. But regardless who the opponent is, the expectations are high for the Punishers. Anything short of success will be looked at as failure. There is no doubt the team is complete in every area. Both their wins tonight came-from balanced scoring, solid goaltending and an overall strong defensive game. C.Gingras continued to tear up the regular season scoring three times for a hat trick. The Armadillos got off to a bad start in the opening game unable to solve M.Melo, who was solid throughout both games allowing only two goals.

(3)Punishers vs Armadillos (0)

(2)Armadillos vs Punishers (8)

Y.Gazura scores late goal to split with Legacy

In hopes of claiming consecutive victories vs Venom, Legacy fell short in the second encounter. Thirty seconds was all that was left over when Y.Gazura came through putting Venom in front. Unlike the previous match, this one came down to the wire. Legacy was clearly the better of the two sides earlier on taking a convincing 6-3 win. K.Kavan was once again at his best accumulating five points that included two goals. When a player is wheeling like that, it makes it very difficult for any opponent to play against. This match is a preview of the semi finals as both teams will face each other in a week's time. Both sides will have enough time to study all the little details that can help determine who will prevail.

(3)Venom vs Legacy (6)

(2)Legacy vs Venom (3)

Scoring depth the difference for the 1 Timer

Any team that plans to make a run deep into the post season needs a complete performance up and down the roster, and the 1 Timer have been fortunate enough to have that. While they occupy consistency in all areas, their scoring depth up front is perhaps their biggest asset. The 1 Timer poses threats on both their pairings up front. Tonight's two wins over the Dragons was the perfect example of how balanced they are. P-A Surprenant stepped on the gas in the first encounter rattling off four tallies while M.Charpentier decided to take over in the second game bagging a hat trick. The Dragons, despite having most of their players present couldn't keep up with a quicker opponent.

(7)1 Timer vs Dragons (3)

(1)Dragons vs 1 Timer (4)

Orient massive comeback falls short as they trade wins with Excalibur

It was nearly an improbable comeback for the Orient, but they fell just short in their last game of the regular season. They did get off to a solid start in the opening match en route to a 5-3 victory. Despite having only one change up, F.Nasser was a vital component to the win as the captain put on a show riffling four markers and an assist. Cleary, the Excalibur weren't pleased on how things ended. Whatever message was sent in between games definitely translated into the ensuing match for the Excalibur,at least in the first period. At one point they led 5-0 and appeared to be headed for an easy win. Then, it looked as though they forgot how to play and the Orient made a serious push that nearly saw them tie the game. Luckily for the Excalibur, time ran out as they barely held on.

(5)Orient vs Excalibur (3)

(5)Excalibur vs Orient (4)

The SalumiVino player of the night goes to Fadel Nasser of the Orient. The captain had an incredible night logging a ton of minutes and was a huge reason why his club took the opening game versus the Excalibur. By the time it ended, Nasser scored four times while adding three helpers.

All three division regular season games came to an end on Monday night. In each of the three divisions, the first round match ups are the semi final rounds.

Division 1: The Punishers have an automatic spot to the final for capturing first place. Legacy will take on Venom to see who'll take on the Punishers. Both teams just finished playing each other in what ended as a split. This series can go either way as both teams have the fire power up front to generate quality offense. Look for a committed defensive style along with required goaltending to make the difference.

Division 2:

(1)1 Timer vs Dragons (4) Unless the Dragons figure something out soon, this series will favor the 1 Timer. Tonight's games weren't even close with the 1 Timer thumping their opponent both times. The Dragons will need to rely on their top guns to score but more importantly on how to contain two running lines working on all cylinders.

(2)Armadillos vs Orient (3) The one area that the Orient has the advantage is on their speed. Other than that, the Armadillos are have the experience are well structured on how they play, especially in the post season.

Division 3:

(1)Ice Breakers vs Excalibur (4) It will be your classic youth with speed versus a veteran side with experience match up. It's vital for the Excalibur to jump in front and use playing with the lead to their advantage. If it's the other way around, the Excalibur may be stuck chasing the game where they'll be forced to wait for an opportunity and time their chances.

(2)Degenerates vs Chic Choc (3) Two teams very familiar with one another. Since both sides know each other's tendencies, this series may go down to the wire on who wants it more. Chic Choc play relentless hockey while relying on J-R Lemay up front and F.Peloquin between the pipes. The Degenerates will play a structured game and make it a point to not give much to the opposition. S.Marricco and A.Lanni are looked upon to score if they plan on advancing to the final.

Thursday November 28

(3)Bramabulls vs Legends (6)

Legends finish season on high note

The Legends applied a simple game plan against a depleted Bramabulls team. By clogging up the middle while waiting for their chances, the Legends played it just right to earn the win. E.Mavroudis got the ball rolling on a pair of early goals and K.Araujo followed up striking twice at key moments during the game. The Bramabulls did have their fair share of possession but struggled to get into dangerous scoring areas. It didn't help either that C.Fortin stood between the pipes. The net minder made sure to stop the initial shot while relying on his defence to clean out the rebounds.

(5)Legacy vs The Blast (2)

Legacy storm out of gate with 3 quick goals

Starting off their night on a bang was clearly on the to do list for Legacy. For the most part of the opening frame, the Blast proved to be not much of an opponent. They did tweak their game and got better as it went on but the overall damage had already been done despite plenty of time left over. Legacy did what all good experience teams do in these situations, and that is to give nothing to very little. S.Athanasopoulos regained a three goal cushion after netting a late second period power play goal. From-there, the Blast attempted to get back into it only to hit a dry spell. C.Stavriadis never let the game get out of reach by excelling between the pipes.

(8)Toyota Candiac vs Winter Soldiers (8) S.O

High scoring spirited affair ends in draw

A high scoring and spirited affair between the Toyota Candiac and the Winter Soldiers went the ultimate distance on Thursday night. The extra time could have been avoided if not for a late collapse by the Winter Soldiers. With the game seemingly wrapped up leading 7-4, the Winter Soldiers squandered their lead in the last five and a half minutes of the game. The comeback was led by R.Fortin-Lamothe, P.Lapointe and A.Dayan, who struck very late for his fourth of the night. For how many chances both sides traded throughout the game, an open five minute overtime wasn't enough for a winner. All that was left at that point was a shootout. The selections made absolute sense-from the two sides. The Toyota Candiac made sure to send A.Dayan who didn't miss posting his fifth goal of the match. As for the Winter Soldiers, C.Kakivelis had an identical performance striking four times during the game and once in the shootout.

The C Thursday regular season came to an end. The top seven seeds will advance to the playoffs with the Bramabulls securing top spot and a first round bye. The quarter final match ups are as follows:

(2)Winter Soldiers vs Toyota Candiac(7) Both teams just came off a high scoring affair against each other. That style usually doesn't bold well in playoff hockey. This match up will likely depend on how committed they'll play without the ball.

(3)Legends vs Fitforce Phoenix (6) The Legends can't take this match up for granted even though the regular season scores suggests for an easy out. The Fitforce Phoenix play a high tempo and high energy hockey, and unless the Legends play them accordingly, anything can happen.

(4)Legacy vs The Blast (5) This is the time of year that Legacy brings it up a level. The Blast will have their hands full and will need many things to go right. One in particular is to have a better start to the game, unlike tonight where they fell behind early unable to recover.

The SalumiVino player of the night goes to Costa Kakivelis of the Winter Soldiers. The highly skilled forward had an incredible night, riffling four goals, collecting an assist and capitalising in a shootout.

Thursday November 21

(1)SBS Trashers vs Bramabulls(5)

J.Mandracchia does it again, another hat trick during a 5-1 win

The Bramabulls phenom up front continued his tear by posting another hat trick to secure a 5-1 win over the SBS Trashers. It's one thing to be streaky here and there and it's another to practically do it game in and game out. J.Mandracchia would own a lot of hats if the Bramabulls brought enough of a fan base to support the sniper. But on more serious context to the game, the SBS Trashers could have used this win badly as they continue to see their playoff hopes disappear. They knew coming in that the order was a tall one having only three changes to their bench. The game did remain close for a long stretch but that eventually changed when J.Mandracchia took over in the third period to complete his hat trick.

(4)Toyota Candiac vs The Blast (5) O.T

Toyota Candiac lose in overtime on Blast's power play goal

It was an overtime heartbreak for the Toyota Candiac who needed all but 15 seconds to secure a playoff spot. All they needed was to reach the shootout and guarantee some extra hockey in the post season. On the large part, they held their own but not enough to distance themselves against a team destined to come back. The Blast needed only 30 seconds late in the second period to tie the game on two quick tallies. With both sides trading one goal in the ensuing frame, extra time was required for a potential winner. Unfortunately for the Toyota Candiac, an untimely penalty put them in a bad spot. Reginald Morne, who likes to quarterback the power play, seized the moment by riffling the winner. Even though they dropped this contest, the Toyota Candiac still has control of their own destiny by simply accumulating one point in next week's game or to hope for the SBS Trashers to get two or less points.

(3)Fitforce Phoenix vs Winter Soldiers (8)

Winter Soldiers eventually pull away-from Fitforce Phoenix

Heading towards the latter stages of the second period neither team had a real edge with the game all tied up at two goals apiece. By the end of it though, the Winter Soldiers found their game and pulled away on three straight goals just prior to the frame ending. The Fitforce Phoenix didn't help their cause trying to bounce back by taking a pair of penalties. The power play was able to capitalise on both attempts which clearly put the match out of reach. J.Velenosi collected two helpers early on before adding a pair of tallies in the third. Other notables include D.Lombardi, who accumulated five points and N.Gikas that was able to put two behind the opposing net minder.

(7)Legends vs Legacy (3)

Top line connects for Legends win over Legacy

You'd be hard pressed finding many trios connecting the way the Legends top line did on Thursday night. The trio of E.Mavroudis, K.Kavan and M.Destounis were off to a red hot start and never once slowed down during the game participating in all seven goals for the Legends. All three players combined for an impressive 15 points that saw E.Mavroudis hit the target four times. The Legends made sure to use their three running lines against a team that can still hurt you with fewer players. Legacy played well enough to keep the game way closer than it was by making many crisp plays only to hit a hot net minder in R.Ranieri. They may argue that their top gun Payam Assadi wasn't there as perhaps the main reason why they couldn't get much going offensively. Surely with him in the line up, things could have been different.

The SalumiVino player of the night goes to Reginald Morne of the Blast. After setting up a pair of teammates in regular time, the shifty defenseman came through when it mattered the most by riffling a huge power play goal to decide matters in overtime.

Wednesday November 27 (E playoffs, round 1)

(8)Fat Roy vs Screaming Eagles (3)

Fat Roy fire away in third to eliminate Screaming Eagles

With both teams facing elimination, Fat Roy played a little more desperate erupting in the third on five unanswered goals. Throughout the first two periods and change, the Screaming Eagles stood by their opponent with the game all tied up at three goals apiece. It was perhaps expected that the outcome was going to be decided by a slight margin with so much on the line. However, it wasn't the case at all. In the span of nine minutes, the tides turned and Fat Roy took over piling five straight markers. K.Fiore and J.Pantelis came up big on some terrific plays as both players each scored twice during that stretch. This result sends Fat Roy into the semi final round. The match ups are as follows:

(1)Fatal Demons vs Fat Roy(4)  There is no doubt Fat Roy are feeling good about their game. There next challenge will be against the division leaders. Winning always comes down to a variety of factors. In the case of this matchup, both teams have their strengths and will need to use them in a lengthy best of three series.

(2)Wocafloka vs Left Wings(3) Strong in all three areas of their game, both sides have enough game changers to make the difference. This one will come down to timely breaks,defensive awareness and of course goaltending.  

The SalumiVino player of the night goes to Jimmy Pantelis of Fat Roy. When the offense needed an awakening, J.Pantelis was able to spark it on four points that included two goals.

F Wednesday division regular season

(12)Buckshots vs Knights (6)

Dominance of top players continues to be a problem for everyone

There is no secret by now that in order for the Buckshots to slow down, teams will need to figure out on how to do so. The problem is that it isn't one or two players but four to five in particular to contain. The Knights knew they had little to no chance on this specific night having barely enough players to play the game. To their credit, they kept the contest levelled up until the five minute mark of the second period. That's when the fireworks lit up and the Buckshots whaled away scoring goal after goal. K.Kavan, E.Mavroudis, Y.Derohannessian, M.Destounis and N.Kokovidis combined for 28 points with Kavan leading the charge up front with four goals.

(4)Horsemen vs Carnage (3)

M.Mamoulides early third period power play goal was the difference on the scoreboard

With M.Mamoulides providing an early third period power play goal, the Horsemen were able to edge out an opponent that they will be facing in the first round of the playoffs. That key tally came early in the final frame leaving more than enough time for an equaliser. But with M.Vinciguerra guarding the cage, the net minder was excellent and never got flustered making enough saves to preserve the lead. V.Pandza was also a factor as the captain led the way posting two tallies.

(3)Mighty Drunks vs Carnage (6)

Carnage salvage night with bounce back win over Mighty Drunks

Even though it happened an hour earlier, Carnage wasn't fazed in their quest to capturing a win on a double header night. They came out pretty well as of the second period .By playing assertive, being aggressive and staying on top of the Mighty Drunks, the frame was deservingly won. J.Bourlakos widened the margin to a pair of goals after netting back to back tallies. From-there, S.Musacchio grabbed the torch and put a stamp to the night bagging three markers for another hat trick. Carnage was able to get some added production-from D.Constantineau, who set up four tallies, and the captain F.Pace that was able to accumulate three helpers.

The F division regular season came to an end on Wednesday night. The top four seeds will be playing in a best of three semi final round. The match ups are as follows:

(1)Buckshots vs Mighty Drunks (4) There is no secret on what the Mighty Drunks need to do in order to have any sort of chance. Unless T.Borgia plays on his head, and the Mighty Drunks play a smart defensive game, this round will end early for them.

(2)Carnage vs Horsemen (3) Look for this series to go either way. The Horsemen just handed Carnage a narrow 4-3 loss which suggests for a very close battle.

The SalumiVino player of the night goes to Stefano Musacchio of Carnage. His three timely goals helped Carnage salvage their double header night.

Tuesday November 26

(4)The Family vs Brewers (6)

Family just weren't deep enough despite good start

Sometimes teams are stuck being in an unfortunate circumstance. At the end of it all, the Family just didn't have the man power it took in order to get the result they needed. They did get off to a near perfect start roaring to a 3-1 first period lead. From-there, the Brewers felt it was only a question of time before they started to get their breaks. Eventually, they evened the score when E.Bouchard struck by the eleven minute mark of the second period. The third period was perhaps expected of the Brewers to continue their pace due to their man power. T.Fernando came through twice in a very short span to notch his fourth and provide a two goal cushion. The Family put everything on the line despite having only one player to change with. Unfortunately for them, they won't be participating in the playoffs.

(8)National vs Chiefs (3)

National making sure to get back on track

National hoped to end their little slump against the Chiefs on Tuesday night. They knew that a good start would put them right on track. After taking the opening period 2-1, the goals just came piling in for National. M.Beaudry led the charge as the solid d-man buried three for a hat trick. The captain was also very productive as M.Pinheiro set up two tallies in the first before adding a pair later on. The Chiefs struggled to contain the speed of their opponent which had them playing on their heels for most of the game.

(4)Bramabulls vs Templars(2)

G.Lipariti riffles his second to snap third period tie

G.Lipariti was able to notch his second that snapped a third period tie for the Bramabulls. Up until that point, the Bramabulls never played with the lead. That was because the Templars did all they could to protect it having to deal with only one spare. However, fatigue would play a factor and the Bramabulls would eventually seize their moment. S.Ruggiero had set up two teammates before stamping the game with an empty net goal. B.Verducci stopped nearly 30 shots to earn the win in net.

(2)Devil Dawgz vs Pylons(6)

T.Settino and Pylons close out a strong regular season

It was another tremendous performance by T.Settino as his four goals enabled the Pylons to capture first place of the division and a first round bye heading into the playoffs. As a result of his scoring barrage, T.Settino claimed the scoring title finishing with 27 points. But as personal stats can sometimes be gratifying, the Pylons centre man has bigger and more obvious ambitions in front of him. The Pylons are glad to skip the first round in a division that has all seven teams as potential winners. For now, they'll reflect on a great regular season, but will be more focused on an even more important post season ahead of them.

With the Pylons securing first place and an automatic spot to the semi finals, the first round matches are as follows:

(2)National vs Devil Dawgz(7) National will be quicker overall as a team and dictate much of the pace. Despite all that however, the Devil Dawgz strengths rely on their man on man coverage while depending on a couple of key pieces to score.

(3)Brewers vs Chiefs (6) Both these teams have a lot of similarities. So close that anything can happen. The Chiefs will need A.Benedetto to elevate his game between the pipes. If they get the goaltending required, the Brewers will have their hands full.

(4)Bramabulls vs Templars(5) This is a battle that both sides will look forward to lacing their shoes. So much will be on the line for two teams that don't want to lose this particular match up. It should be stingy, intense but yet exciting. A betting man would be a fool to take one team over the other for how evenly matched they are.

The SalumiVino player of the night goes to Tony Settino of the Pylons. As he's been an instrumental centre piece for his team all year long, T.Settino finished off his season in style, providing four goals to ensure him the scoring title with 27 points.

Monday November 25

Degenerates able to shake off a slow start

While the Degenerates had nothing going for them early on, the Ice Breakers were gaining momentum leading comfortably 2-0 by the mid way point of the second period. And although it wasn't their ideal start, things eventually turned around fro the Degenerates. Twenty eight seconds was all it took for S.Marricco and A.Lanni to respond and dust off the cobwebs. From-there, neither side had a real edge as they settled for a draw. But one thing that did carry over was the desire and dedication-from the Degenerates part to try and capture the win. This time, they took the lead and played it to their advantage. S.Fabrici used a one timer to get the ball rolling, and for a second straight game, S.Marricco and A.Lanni were able to score. The Ice Breakers attempted 18 shots towards J.Atch who denied all of them to earn the shutout.

(3)Degenerates vs Ice Breakers (3) S.O

(0)Ice Breakers vs Degenerates (3)

N.Gilbert leads charge for Venom

N.Gilbert will keep showing game in and game out how significant he is to his team. After netting a shorthanded marker that stuck for the winner, N.Gilbert was just getting started offering more to come. The crafty defenseman played like he was on a mission bagging two more goals while adding a shootout tally. Venom would have preferred a better outcome but won't mind settling for the draw after trailing 2-0. M-A Piche scored once in both games for the Orient and could have decided the outcome in the shootout only to be denied by M.Trivisonno.

(1)Orient vs Venom (2)

(4)Venom vs Orient (4) S.O

Late comeback sparks Punishers to consecutive wins over Legacy

With the Punishers in jeopardy of dropping their opening game versus Legacy, M.Arkalis came up big collecting three straight points in the last two minutes. To his help, C.Gingras set him up while providing the go ahead marker. Legacy appeared to be fine with E.Girouard filling up the opposite net with three tallies. That was up until a late push back flipped the direction of the game. It was evident that Legacy didn't have the same assertion in the following match. And even though they struck first very early on, Legacy felt their way to yanking control of the game by giving up four straight markers. During that time,C.Gingras continued his dominance by collecting three more points that included two goals.

(3)Legacy vs Punishers (5)

(4)Punishers vs Legacy (2)

1 Timer in awe of M.Carpentier's gigantic night

It was just unfortunate that the Dragons were on the other side of a player that couldn't be stopped. Throughout both games, M.Carpentier was steaming hot registering six goals, an assist and a clever shootout marker. The 1 Timer out matched the Dragons in every aspect of the game en route to an easy 8-1 win. Clearly, they weren't happy with the way things ended, especially for a side with that much experience and pride. There would be no doubt that the second encounter would be way closer. The Dragons, although they couldn't wrap it up in regulation time, found away to earn the win in a shootout. D.Gagnon and E.Girouard came through using their patented moves to figure out F.Koch while P.Assadi stopped two of three attempts.

(1)Dragons vs 1 Timer(8)

(4)1 Timer vs Dragons(5) S.O

The SalumiVino player of the night goes to Maxime Carpentier of the 1 Timer. His dominance and artistry was on full display Monday night as he was able to collect a ton of points along with a remarkable back hand goal in the shootout.

 Hockeyballe.com -WINTER 2020 season.   Register early and receive multiple discounts up to $ 300 (see poster).   Here is the information of the new season 4/4 and 5/5 that is coming up.   Leagues begin in mid January.   You can play in recreational divisions at competitive divisions.   Possibility to play at Canadian and World Championships.   Hockeyballe.com .... the cheapest leagues.

Hockey Quebec is proud of all our Champions and Teams.

Shout out to Mike Richard and the River Rats B Division.
Gabi Missakian and the United Arms C Division.
Raghav Mohan and Ray Mohan and the Bengals C Division.
Anthony Di Perna and the Bramabulls D Division.
Joseph Constantin and the Unknown D Division.
You guys represented us well.

SLOVAKIA MEN’S - 2019 ISBHF WORLD CHAMPIONS! 

Slovakia takes home the Gold Medal, with Finland taking the Silver.

Team Canada takes home the Bronze.