Thursday September 17 Round 1 playoffs

Key plays enable Horsemen to get past Brewers

The Horsemen took their hopeful first step towards the next round by edging out the Brewers in two very close games. It was again their captain taking charge and in a very big way. V.Pandza was an absolute force, scoring three out of the Horsemen’s four goals while setting up M.Kardum early in the second period. The first game did however need a shootout to decide matters. In their last attempt, D.Greco came through on a hard low wrist shot to beat G.Platanitis. The Brewers may have felt a slight let down but that didn’t effect a team with that much experience. As expected, the second game was just as close with so much on the line. The Brewers had a great start and were able to carry a 4-3 lead early in the final frame .And while everything appeared to look promising, a pair of quick plays altered their path into forcing a game three. The Horsemen took advantage of a power play opportunity with S.DosSantos evening the score. Then, only two minutes later, the pendulum swung and who other than V.Pandza to break the tie and send the Brewers packing.  This series was expected to be this close. Both games could have gone either way leaving only some ball luck and key plays to make the difference. Tonight, the Horsemen found a way to get it done and will now face another difficult challenge versus the division leaders Buckshot’s.

(4)Brewers vs Horsemen(5) S.O Game 1

(5)Horsemen vs Brewers(4) Game 2

Family held their own for as long as they could vs Assadi Consulting Inc

It took some time but the Assadi Consulting Inc played to their identify. They favour a more free flowing form of hockey in which open space is created and the ball moves quickly into the attacking zone. The Family did make it very difficult by committing to a disciplined man on man game. Both contests took plenty of time for the Assadi Consulting Inc to find their strive. However, once they did, the pace became slightly overwhelming for the Family. There best moments only came in the second periods of both games where they combined for six goals. Y.Gazura netted a pair to solidify a 4-1 win and N.Gilbert made a few brilliant plays in the ensuing match to close out the series. M.Freda took a different role playing in net for the Family, and did not disappoint. If not for him early on, this series would have ended in a landslide.

(4)Assadi Consulting Inc vs The Family(1) Game 1

(1)The Family vs Assadi Consulting Inc(5) Game 2

The SalumiVino player of the night goes to Vinko Pandza of the Horsemen. Looks like the Horsemen’s captain has plenty left over in the tank. As the weeks pass, V.Pandza seems to be getting better and what better time than playoff hockey. His club will now move to the semi finals thanks to his four goals and two assists.

The Thursday 4vs4 division is now down to four teams. The semi final match ups are as follows:

(1)Buckshots vs Horsemen(4) Key factors for the Horsemen will require goaltending and a committed man on man game. If C.Stavriadis performs the way he can in net coupled with everyone buying into a hard effort, than the Buckshot’s will have their hands full. If not, look for the Buckshot’s offense to take care of business

(2)Fatal Demons vs Assadi Consulting Inc(3) It’s a series that will rely on who wants it more. Since both sides occupy every aspect of the game, the will to battle and do all the little necessary things will come into play. Look for this one to be a dandy of a series.