Monday February 28

Ali Khanafer shining for the Snipers

The Snipers floored another great performance on Monday night, and the Hungry Hippos didn’t stand a chance. They didn’t have the jump start they hoped for, but that all changed by the second period with three different players scoring for a 4-2 win. The second game didn’t quite go the way the Hungry Hippos hoped for. After finding themselves down 4-0 heading into the second period, the night ended fairly early due to the seven goal mercy rule. Ali Khanafer just kept getting better as the night was rolling along. The captain accumulated a bunch of points that included some high lite reel plays. Playing the Snipers isn’t pleasurable for any opponent. The Hungry Hippos realised it being stuck playing on their heels for most of the night. With ball possession come scoring chances, and the Snipers have plenty of it due to their relentless work ethic.

(2)Hungry Hippos vs Snipers(4)

(7)Snipers vs Hungry Hippos(0)

A pair of late goals propel Degenerates over ETNA

It was one of those games that could have gone either way. When two teams are deadlocked on the scoreboard, and time is winding down, all it takes is one more big play to make the difference. In tonight’s case, the Degenerates found a way to generate those plays with time winding down. The first encounter was decided on the power play thanks to S.Marricco swiping the ball that found the back of the net. The second match looked like it was headed to a shootout until the very same S.Marricco decided matters with only five seconds left on the clock. Anything that close is a question of timing and opportunity. With ETNA coming off some convincing wins, the Degenerates went through a downer all week after a very poor performance versus the Snipers. Sometimes it just takes a reset that can translate into a completely different outcome. The two wins will feel good for now, but the Degenerates understand that nothing will come easy in a division this competitive.

(5)Degenerates vs ETNA(4)

(4)ETNA vs Degenerates(5)

No need to shake off rust, Altius came ready to play

The Altius showed-from the drop of the ball that they weren’t holding back. Although the Diabetoz Angels put up a good fight trailing only 2-1 after one period was as good as it got. Nothing went right for the Diabetoz Angels-from that point on. Even with just under two full lines, the Altius scored plenty in bunches that saw only M.Arkalis net a pair. Much of the same happened in the next game, this time the Altius ran up the score right away bagging six in the first period alone. M.Melo riffled a hat trick, and A.Alfonso buried his first of two in the encounter. There is no doubt the Altius are well built as a team. Many of them have played together for a long time with no shortage of talent. Perhaps it wasn’t the right test for their first encounter, but watch out for them as they’ll  be one of the front runners moving forward.

(7)Altius vs Diabetoz Angels(1)

(2)Diabetoz Angels vs Altius(9)

United Arms use complete defensive effort to edge out Lyft Off

From-the goalie on out, the United Arms got contributions-from everyone on both sides of the rink. K.Haratounian stopped 18 shots for a shutout, E.Khatchedourian scored the games lone tally and the United Arms couldn’t have asked for a better start to their night. Still, the night wasn’t going to feel totally complete unless they put two straight wins together. Only thirteen seconds had gone by in the second game when S.Balouzkian put the United Arms on board. The Lyft Off, despite being scoreless knew they were still in it needing only one tally. Unfortunately, the next goal went once again in the United Arms favour courtesy of A.Papazian. It looked as though the Lyft Off were going to go empty handed as they struggled to get at least one by the net minder. Eventually, that moment came on a late power play goal thanks to V.Phoeuk. The Lyft Off never had the luxury to play with a lead. With both games extremely close and low scoring, that first tally proved to be so crucial in these types of games.

(1)United Arms vs Lyft Off(0)

(2)Lyft Off vs United Arms(3)

Assadi Classics adjust to level after receiving thumping versus Bonjours High

Getting some early saves by your net minder can sometimes indicate where the game is going. The Assadi Classics had at least five high end chances early on only to hit a brick wall. C.Ekonomakis was stellar, and the Bonjour Highs were able to feed off their goaltenders sharp performance by getting the job done up front. Five of their six goals occurred in the final frame with A.Kakivelis striking twice while C.Kakivelis produced three points. Unlike the first encounter, the second game had a much different story line. This time the Assadi Classics broke the spell on how to figure out Ekonomakis. They managed to going-from zero to six in the scoring column. The game was deadlocked at five goals a piece until S.Ruggiero picked up a loose rebound that snapped the late tie with only a minute remaining. That was his second of the game and it couldn’t have come at a better time. The Bonjours High are very fast with plenty of skill and have the luxury of a solid net minder. But despite all those attributes, the Assadi Classics found a way to split their night. That’s perhaps due to their experience and ability on how to adjust during a hockey game. Players like F.Casacalenda don’t get the recognition that they deserve. The d-man is solid when playing without the ball trapping lanes, winning loose ball battles while sending hard crisp passes to his forwards. M.Mavroudis will agree that it isn’t always about him and that other players in his team bring a lot to the table.

(6)Bonjours High vs Assadi Classics(0)

(6)Assadi Classics vs Bonjours High(5)

The SalumiVino player of the night goes to Sandro Marricco of the Degenerates. In both their wins, S.Marricco snapped two late 5-5 tie’s to decide the outcomes.