Thursday December 15(Semi finals)

Van Doos Hc storm ahead of Brew Crew with game 1 victory

(4)Van Doos Hc vs Brew Crew(2) Game 1

The E Thursday semi finals didn’t start off on a good note for the Brew Crew as they were upended by the division leaders. The Brew Crew came out humming and got the first tally by B.Sansotta. Hoping to build off a good start, the Brew Crew found themselves trailing by the time the frame ended. J.Liakakos and N.Kokovidis each scored, and the Van Doos Hc turned the tides entering the second period. Ever since jumping up 2-1, the Van Doos Hc never squandered their lead . J.DeSua was there to reduce the margin by one for the Brew Crew, but that was close as it got. What become concerning for the Brew Crew was their inability to generate enough decent scoring chances. The Van Doos Hc controlled a good portion of the play while making sure to take away space-from their opponent. It always helps having a solid goaltender as you last line of defense. J.Liopoulos, although not overly busy, stood firm in net making sure to keep his side playing in front. With game one now under their belt, the Van Doos Hc remain perfect still without a loss all season as they’ll try and sweep the Brew Crew in the ensuing match.

Snipers pull ahead in series on furious comeback win over Fatal Demons

(3)Fatal Demons vs Snipers(4) Game 1

As good as the Fatal Demons were coming out of the gate riding three goals in only eight minutes, sadly, it just wasn’t good enough. It certainly wasn’t the way you wanted to start a semi final series if you are the Snipers. Luckily enough, it all happened fairly early which gave them the time they needed to improve. Erasing a 3-0 deficit takes a lot-from an entire hockey team, especially when its playoffs. The Snipers did something remarkable and it all began as of the second period where they completely took over the match. Once H.Salman scored on the power play to get the Snipers on board, the rest fell into play even though most of the comeback occurred in the final frame. H.Atoui and Hadi, Khanafer scored just a minute apart to level the game at three goals apiece. You almost sensed that the next tally would belong to the Snipers for how committed they were compared to a lest urgent Fatal Demons side. This contest looked to be headed for a shootout with the clock winding down. Perhaps a deal that the Fatal Demons would have taken since they couldn’t put it together on the court while knowing C.Kakivelis was there to deliver in the breakaways. Instead, F.Nasser was able to beat the clock with only 20 seconds remaining to give the Snipers its first lead of the game. Losing a game in such a manner can break a teams spirit. However, the Fatal Demons have way to much experience in their dna to take a negative approach heading into game two. If they are able to re focus and remain positive, the Snipers will need to put out another full out effort in order to defeat them.

Van Doos refuse to lose

(2)Brew Crew vs Van Doos Hc(3) S.O Game 2

This encounter between the Brew Crew and the Van Doos Hc ended in a spectacular fashion, with the Van Doos Hc mounting a stunning comeback to defeat the Brew Crew in a shootout. D.Verta and J.DeSua provided a 2-0 Brew Crew lead before a furious Van Doos charge left the score tied 2-2, forcing a dreaded shootout. Both tallies came late on efforts by G.Tsolis and N.Zaharopoulos. N.Kokovidis was the only of the combined six players to score using a patient backhand move to get the better of C.Muccino. To think that the Brew Crew were only four minutes away-from handing the Van Doos their first loss of the season, but more importantly to tie the series 1-1.Unfortuntely, they juts couldn’t hold off long enough. C.Muccino gave every ounce of energy to help his side go as far as possible. The net minder wasn’t at a 100%, but competed hard enough to cause an upset. Sometimes its just not your night. With the win, the Van Doos Hc will now aim to win one more series while hoping to ride a perfect record. At worse case, they would take the deal for winning it in three games. Time will only tell.

M.St-Laurent timely saves enables Snipers to reach big dance

(4)Snipers vs Fatal Demons(3) S.O Game 2

The Snipers just punched their ticket to the E Thursday final, and have M.St-Laurent to thank for it. The goaltender faced about 30 shots but was more known for a few key sensational saves he made in the third period to keep the game tied. After denying M.Mavroudis on a couple of occasions, St-Laurent may have made the series changing save on M.Chenier’s one timer-from in close with just under a second remaining. His brilliant performance didn’t stop there either as a shootout loomed in what came as a must win-from the defending champs. With B.Cabral out waiting C.Kakivelis on a wicked backhand, the Fatal Demons were forced to get at least one by the Snipers net minder. And despite sending three sharp shooters to out duel the goaltender, M.St-Laurent wasn’t having it denying all three players. The game could have gone either way, but there was no denying that the Snipers got there on some very big saves. The Snipers went about playing the type of game that they are used to. They do not complicate it by simply applying a strong collective work etiquette. When you combine a resilient style along with basic hockey, you will often get rewarded. In tonight’s series versus a very good Fatal Demons hockey team, the Snipers played to their identity, and were able to advance because of it.

The SalumiVino player of the night goes to Nick Kokovidis of the Van Doos Hc. From-breaking up plays to creating scoring chances, the offensive defenseman did it all on Thursday night collecting three big points along with the series shootout winner.

With two teams left to claim all the glory, the Van Doos Hc will look to continue its perfect path to success as they’ll take on a very resilient Snipers team. Both teams have relied on their depth as part of the equation why they got this far. M.St-Laurent along with J.Liopoulos have been instrumental for their side so far as the two net minders did not disappoint. Forwards will likely find it difficult to generate much going up against two structured defenses. It will come down to a battle of will and determination. The team who collectively gives it all will have the chances on their side. Since both teams got this far due to their never quit attitude, this series will be a close one and should easily go the distance without any favourite despite the Van Doos Hc perfect record so far.