Wednesday September 5(D Semi finals)

(3)Fat Cats vs HBHA Masters 37+(4) Game 2

HBHA Masters survive late scare to beat Fat Cats

The Fat Cats nearly gave themselves no chance against the HBHA Seniors on Wednesday night. With their net minder G.Sangiovanni missing along with a hand full of players unable to attend, this series appeared to be over and done with before it began. Adding to all that, the Fat Cats forfeited game one in order to conserve their energy in hopes of forcing a mini game. Still, the game needed to be played and the Fat Cats showed that they refused to roll over. It took nearly half the match before the Fat Cats got on board. The second frame ended with the underdogs up 2-1 leaving a dejected looking HBHA Masters bench in limbo. But with still 15 minutes or more left to go, experience, leadership and the extra legs shifted the tides. P.Doulis and S.Govas each scored a minute apart that finally put the HBHA Masters in front. Considering the circumstances, those two goals appeared to be enough with only four minutes remaining but it wasn't the case. S.Barrette was able to give life to the Fat Cats on a late equaliser. By then, both sides felt that this game was headed for a shootout only to see another extraordinary set of circumstances occur. A few seconds was all that was missing when J.Bolanakis avoided the extra stress to regain the lead for good.

(7)Punishers vs United Armenians (4) Game 1

Wasted opportunity leaves United Armenians in shambles

The United Armenians blew a big time chance to push their way through the Punishers. Unfortunately, they couldn't hold on to a 4-2 lead that slowing vanished as the game went on. The Punishers know that they have the artillery to strike when in need as they have been doing it all season long. And even though it's more difficult in playoff hockey, no one missed a beat in their come-from behind win. Four out of their seven goals came in the third period alone with their captain J.Fidrilis levelling the game at four goals apiece. Then, only minutes later, A.Centis and K.Tsoukals fed off the momentum striking twice in less than a minute. The United Armenians fought very hard for two full frames only to see a missed opportunity flash before their eyes.

(0)United Armenians vs Punishers(6) Game 2

Punishers slam door on United Armenians in series sweep

This time, the Punishers put themselves in the driver's seat early on. By taking a 2-0 lead after one period, both sides knew where this series was headed, especially the way things ended in the previous match. The Punishers kept their foot hard on the pedal and added two more by the second and the third to close out the night. It took no heroes as six different players found the back of the net. Perhaps their best player was on the other side of the court. N.Mackeen faced close to 20 shots to collect a shutout.

The SalumiVino player of the night goes to John Bolanakis of the HBHA Masters 37+. In the dying moments of game two versus the Fat Cats, J.Bolanakis gave his club plenty to celebrate by posting the winner very late in the game.

The final will now feature the Punishers taking on the HBHA Masters 37+. Even though both teams are playing some fine hockey, the Punishers may have the slight edge in this series. The Punishers are able to get scoring throughout their line up and have a very potent power play. However, if the HBHA Masters can grab the lead, then things can potentially go their way.  The veteran side will know how to bear down and commit to a disciple man on man style of hockey if playing in front.