Monday January 16

 Ali Fahra late winner sets tone for Snipers second encounter

 Its not the kind of start you would hope for after dropping a very close game that was decided in the last 30 seconds. The Brodie Boys got off to about the worst start possible, and could not recover as they fell 8-2. The meltdown took all but six minutes into the ensuing match with the Snipers powering five goals. It wasn’t like it was one player doing all the damage that couldn’t be contained. Falling behind by such a margin isn’t an easy task to overcome. Maybe the bad end to the first game got to the Brodie Boys, who know are way better than what they showed. Perhaps it was just a case of shaking off some rust since its only the first week of the regular season. While the Brodie Boys looked out of tune, the same couldn’t be said for the Snipers. The addition of A.Fahra will come a long way for an already existing good team. The new addition was the catalyst behind the first win scoring twice that included the late winner along with an assist. As for the second match, the Snipers had many contribute offensively with Hadi Khanafer and A.Sayed sharing two goals each.

 (4)Snipers vs Brodie Boys(3)

 (8)Snipers vs Brodie Boys(2)

 ETNA looking ready for new season as they down Country Club

Sometimes you just need a reminder that some teams are really good when they come out to play. The Country Club witnessed it first hand going up against an ETNA team that was on top of their game despite it being only the first week of the regular season. Re adapting to his natural role, M.Stoico will be a huge asset for his side, and it showed immediately as the d-man was a force collecting three points for a 4-1 victory. The Country Club didn’t show much in the opener, but had a chance to tweak their game in the second match. They did show more offensive upside, but ran into the same issues of giving up to many goals. That’s maybe because M.Alfieri was responsible for most of the ETNA’s offense. If its even possible to state, M.Alfieri looked better than ever in the second encounter. If this was a contract year, the skilled player would crush the ETNA budget leaving them bankrupt. All seven goals came-from the hands of M.Alfieri, who struck once while feeding off six nice passes for some easy completions. A.Alfieri and J.Alfieri each scored twice thanks to their valued line mate.

 (4)ETNA vs Country Club(1)

 (7)ETNA vs Country Club(4)

 Diabetoz Angels powered by a pair of strong starts

Two very strong starts made the difference as the Diabetoz Angels collected some nice early points to the standings. Four different players took turns finding the back of the net in the first period alone, and A.Ekonomakis was finally figured out between the pipes when S.Jankouzian and G.Missakian got the better of him. In hopes of adjusting to a better start in the ensuing match, the United Arms couldn’t put it together falling behind again. The gap was much closer trailing only by two, but the task was just as tall trying to battle-from behind. To their credit however, the United Arms battled back to even the score on two occasions only to fall behind once more when J.McTeigue snapped the late tie. J.Fisch would eventually put the game to rest by feeding an empty cage. What more can you ask for than putting up a pair of good wins together. The Diabetoz Angels got the start they wanted, and will look to build off it in what will be a competitive division. On the flip side of the court, the United Arms know that they need to stack up their line up as a short bench just wont hack it in this division. G.Missakian will take care of that area as the captain will make sure to be ready as the season goes on

(4)Diabetoz Angels vs United Arms(2)

 (5)Diabetoz Angels vs United Arms(3)

 S.Marricco providing the timely goals for Degenerates in second game vs Branditscan

 Both sides seemed to measure up pretty fairly as it took a shootout to try and decide matters. And since the first game was that close, not even a breakaway competition could have settled the score. The Degenerates and the Branditscan needed the second encounter in order to see who would prevail in the end. And as expected, it remained just as close except for maybe the final frame where the Degenerates found a way to pull away. Containing S.Marricco requires a certain method when trying to slow down a train that can hold on to the ball. The power forward did not disappoint, and was there to rattle off two big consecutive goals to put the Degenerates in the drivers seat. His second tally made the score 4-2 with about seven minutes remaining. No doubt there was more than enough time for the Branditscan to try and come back. The problem was that the Degenerates made it a point to close out the gaps and shut the lanes best they could. When you buy into a strong defensive game plan while relying on R.Ranieri to make you the big saves, its often difficult to battle back. The Degenerates did a fine job in that department and managed to hang on to a hard earned win.

(3)Degenerates vs Branditscan(3) S.O

(6)Degenerates vs Branditscan(2)

The SalumiVino player of the night goes to Massimo Alfieri of ETNA. Calm, collective and poised, M.Alfieri makes everyone around him a better player, and tonight was proof of it as he set up six goals while potting one himself.