Sunday September 3(Semi finals)

(6)Butchers vs Shockers(3) Game 2

Butchers fight back to live another day

After jumping off to a way better start than last week’s game, the Butchers all of a sudden looked like a playoff team. V.Mormina and A.Latella each scored first period goals for a 2-0 lead. The Butchers weren’t done yet with their offensive output as two more goals went in before the Shockers finally tasted the back of the net. However, a four goal deficit turned into only a one goal deficit before the end of the second period when T.Debonis narrowed the gap with still plenty of hockey left over. The Butchers realised that they needed another solid period in order to force a game three. And rather than sitting back in hopes of their net minder making spectacular saves, they decided to go for the kill with more tallies. A.DeSua and M.Zampino each scored to put the match to rest. This result now forced both sides to play their best 15 minutes or more to see who would advance.

(3)Shockers vs Butchers(1) Game 3

Resilient Shockers answer back as they head to big dance

With so much on the line in a short 15 minute mini game, the stress levels were at its highest, especially with no one finding the back of the net for the first ten minutes. But, eventually something had to give and someone would pounce on a massive scoring chance. M.Blackman was that player to capture the moment as the highly skilled forward cracked the ice for the first goal of the game. Still, it wasn’t over and the Butchers tried to level but only found themselves in a greater hole when T.Parr doubled the lead. At that point, unless the Shockers went on a total meltdown, this series was pretty much summed up. The Butchers did attempt a late push when A.Latella cut the lead in half but that smear of hope only lasted so long as M.Blackman sealed all doubts in an empty cage.

(7)Team Cuba vs Fatal Demons(6) Game 2

Team Cuba keeping it simple in must win game

Team Cuba spoke about keeping it simple if they planned to live another day. Sometimes, it’s just about playing basic hockey that can get you the job done. In tonight’s case, that formula worked out as the more desperate side found a way to win and force a third and deciding game. Surely, it helps when one player steps it up which in this case that player would be N.Macrozonaris. Out of his clubs seven goals, the slick forward struck four times which was just what the doctor ordered for Team Cuba. The Fatal Demons found themselves trailing all game but were always in striking distance to level. It was one of those games that would need every single second in order to get a result. Team Cuba found a way to get it done giving them a chance to double their accomplishments in a fifteen minute mini game.

(1)Fatal Demons vs Team Cuba(2) Game 3

Two quick goals sends Team Cuba through

If the commitment was there for three straight periods, there would be no reason why Team Cuba wasn’t going to battle for this opportunity to reach the final. The only difference in this game was that the Fatal Demons finally played with the lead. M.Diaco tapped in an easy goal-from a brilliant pass by E.Medrano, and all of a sudden Team Cuba trailed barely 20 seconds into the game. However, the shoulders didn’t drop and the negative sighs weren’t heard as everyone regrouped only to look forward with so much time left over. With that patience, good things eventually happened. K.Kersaint used a hard wrist shot to tie the game right before E.Girouard riffled a perfect shot to beat M.Trivisonno only seconds later. In the span of only over a minute, Team Cuba shifted this contest in their favour leaving just over four minutes remaining on the clock. C.Stavriadis knew at that point that this series was there for the taking. The net minder blocked everything his way to collect his second straight win.

The SalumiVino player of the night goes to Nick Macrozonaris of Team Cuba. His four goals in game two was a big help as to why Team Cuba will be playing for the championship next week.

It’s now down to only two teams in the E Sunday night division. It’s your classic youth vs. experience as both sides will need to depend on their strengths in order to get it done. The Shockers do have the advantage of speed which will have Team Cuba play on their heels most of the time. In order for the veteran side to succeed, they’ll need to play a determined defensive game while getting the goaltending and timely goals required to beat a team like the Shockers.