Monday September 5

Division 2

Degenerates storm-from behind to close out series with RCGT Knights

The importance of getting that first goal came a long way in the first encounter for the Degenerates. D.Charbonneau was able to provide it on the power play, and the RCGT Knights had no answers-from that point on. It does also help having a sound net minder making the necessary saves. C.Kakivelis remained square and sharp while his defense was there to clean out the front of the crease. The Degenerates knew their second match was going to be  a lot more difficult because of their shorter bench. Unable to play in front, they found themselves down 2-0 by the nine minute mark of the first period. All they needed was to get that next tally and build off it. A.Desrosiers came through shortly after on a wicked wrist shot to give his side plenty of life with a lot of time left over. That goal clearly sparked the Degenerates entering the final frame as they found the will to battle hard and eventually get rewarded. S.Marricco tied things up at two goals a piece right before A.Lanni found a way to squeeze his shot-form a tough angle. Out of nowhere, the RCGT Knights had lost control of the situation, and knew that their night was coming to a close, especially when J.Melo made them pay on a turn over. Even though there was half a period remaining, C.Kakivelis wasn’t going to surrender two goals.

(3)Degenerates vs RCGT Knights(0) Game 1

(2)RCGT Knights vs Degenerates(4) Game 2

HC Jokerit couldn’t feed off late momentum, Country Club slip though next round

It was all Country Club as they were buzzing up and down the line-up winning an easy first period up 2-0. The second period appeared to be going fine on the large part, at least in the first eight minutes. Then, it all fell apart for the Country Club as the HC Jokerit stormed back netting three goals to send the game into a shootout. When game one finishes in a draw, its so important to try and get that first one under your belt. Unfortunately for the HC Jokerit, they couldn’t prevail in the shootout with the Country Club scoring twice courtesy of J.Carriere and M-A Savaria. You always have that second chance to force a third and deciding game but the Country Club made sure this time to tighten the bolts. The turning point occurred  by the eight minute mark of the final frame where J-S Lowe made the score 3-1. There was no doubt that the Country Club kept in mind what happened to them in the earlier contest. Granted, the HC Jokerit did respond shortly after to narrow the gap by one, but that was all they would  get by M.Dupuis, who made sure to close out the series.

(5)Country Club vs HC Jokerit(4) Game 1

(2)HC Jokerit vs Country Club(4) Game 2

D.Greco extends series on big shootout goal, Snipers get the last word

Despite playing with an anemic line up, the Horsemen have impressively weaved their way to forcing a third and deciding game. The Snipers did a brilliant job in the opener keeping the Horsemen off the score sheet thanks to their great coverage and solid goaltending by M.St-Laurent. They would have liked nothing less than to repeat a similar performance knowing that they had the upper hand with a deeper roster. However, that didn’t discourage the Horsemen-from battling hard as they finally got their offense going striking four times. D.Greco was behind making all four goals happen by feeding four different teammates while netting the lone shootout marker to force a third and deciding game. The two sides understood how important it was to get that first goal, especially in slippery conditions. An early unfortunate penalty by the Horsemen enabled the Snipers to take advantage of a golden opportunity. Ali Khanafer seized the moment to break the barrier with the help of J.Hassan, who also set him up for a second time to take a commanding 2-0 lead. The Horsemen did all they could by that point by removing their net minder in hopes of some sort of luck. In the end, it just wasn’t meant to be for a side that could have used a little more help on their bench.

(2)Snipers vs Horsemen(0) Game 1

(5)Horsemen vs Snipers(4) S.O Game 2

(3)Snipers vs Horsemen(0) Game 3

The SalumiVino player of the night goes to Ali Khanafer of the Snipers. In all three games, the captain led by example, producing points that included two big goals that helped decide the series in game three.

The second division is off to the semi final round. The match ups are as follows:

(1)Kings vs Degenerates(6) The Kings are younger, faster and have some deadly weapons up front. The Degenerates will rely on keeping it simple while playing a patient game. If the games can remain close, the Degenerates could have a chance, but the Kings do hold the overall advantage due to their pace and better conditioning.

(2)Country Club vs Snipers(4) Expect both sides to battle and grind their way through till the very end. The Snipers have no quit in their game, and neither do the Country Club. This will come down to all the little details, and the element of luck.

Division 1

Assadi Consulting inc playing with fire in must win game

Whatever thread the Assadi Consulting inc playoff hopes were hanging on, the Classics took a pair of scissors to it Monday night. You cant really help yourself if you don’t come stacked. The Assadi Consulting inc played with fire hoping to rely on a shorter bench. Unable to really get anything going, it was the Classics that were in clear control of the two games. The first encounter was somewhat close with the Classics taking it 3-1. P.Karvouriaris collected three helpers that saw T.Langiano benefit twice. You would have to figure that a desperate response was in play for the Assadi Consulting inc, who had to approach their second encounter as a must win. That couldn’t be further-from the case as the Classics showed no mercy running up the score . M.Destounis led the charge riffling four goals, P.Karvouriaris got on board bagging a pair as did his brother T.Karvouriaris. What’s probably the most remarkable part of the two games is the fact that P.Karvouriaris participated in all thirteen goals. Simply put, the Classics were to overwhelming for the Assadi Consulting inc, who now needed some help in the games between the Altius and the Dragons.

(1)Assadi Consulting inc vs Classics(3)

(10)Classics vs Assadi Consulting inc(3)

Altius clinch playoff berth in dominant fashion versus Dragons

After receiving some great news for the downfall of the Assadi Consulting inc, the Altius were now in control of their own destiny if they planned on extending their season. Their depth played a major role why they ran over the Dragons in both games. By the time the first period ended, the Altius were closer to accomplishing their mission riding six consecutive goals on scoring efforts-from different players. Still, nothing was yet set in stone as it took another result in order to leap frog passed  the Assadi consulting inc. By this point, they trailed them by only one point which forced at least a tie or a victory. It showed almost immediately that they meant business with A.Kobayati leading the way striking twice by the four minute mark. At no point did the Altius let go of the gas pedal. Up 3-1 after one period, the flood gates opened once more as they rattled off five tallies in just under six minutes. P.Arkalis and S.Castonguay were part of the equation as both players cashed in in twice along with Kobayati completing his hat trick. It just showed how one team treated both games with desperation versus a side that didn’t really have much to play for, especially with some missing elements. The Altius managed to get through the back door thanks to some help earlier on, and the fact that their opponent weren’t in the same situation. Regardless, they are now in, and will look ahead as greater challenges face them in a very competitive division.

(3)Dragons vs Altius(7)

(8)Altius vs Dragons(1)

The SalumiVino player of the night goes to Peter Karvouriaris. What can you really say when a player participates in all thirteen goals scored by his team.

Division 2 regular season came to an end on Monday night. With four teams remaining, the semi final match ups are as follows:

(1)Classics vs Altius(4) Two teams that are very familiar with one another should suggest for a very good series. Its clear that the Classics have perhaps more lethal weapons up front. However, the Altius could match them in that area with players such as the Arkalis brothers and A.Kobayati, who could do damage. This one isn’t a given for the Classics despite their 18-1-1 record.

(2)Orient vs Dragons(3) The Orient may be an overall  faster team, but the Dragons have some high end players that can change a game at any point. How the Dragons manage their key components could play a major role on how this series gets decided. F.Nasser will have to adjust, match and make good decision on how to contain players like J.Mandracchia, P.Musto and B. Daniele. Just like the previous series, this one is also up for grabs.