Wednesday April 26(F2 & F3 Semi finals)

(3)Fat Cats vs Raging Rhinos(2) F2 Game 2

Revenge is sweet as Fat Cats top Rhinos in penalty filled game

On Wednesday, the Fat Cats demonstrated they would not be pushed around, standing up to the Raging Rhinos in a penalty filled 3-2 victory. With the help of their special teams, the Fat Cats used a power play goal and a shorthanded marker in what was a dominant second period. E.Panzera struck first to get the ball rolling but it may have been J.Guerriero’s shorthanded goal that ultimately made the difference in the match. The Raging Rhinos got both their tallies with their five man unit courtesy of J.Zannis and M-A Piche. N.Mauro has been rock solid in the series between the pipes but didn’t get the right support in the second period giving up three goals. This result set up a game three mini game that had both sides pumped with plenty of adrenaline.

(2)Raging Rhinos vs Fat Cats(0) F2 Game 3

N.Mauro steals the show with huge shutout

Coming off a tough loss, the Raging Rhinos reset what had just happened with a flawless performance. Of course it helps when your net minder is in top form as N.Mauro showed once again why he was a big part of the success. The Fat Cats just couldnt solve him despite getting enough shots and scoring chances. Both sides knew the importance of the first goal. It took up until the 6:10 minute mark for F.Remon and the Raging Rhinos to celebrate the opening tally. Once that happened, the Fat Cats felt the pressure and did everything possible to penetrate the Rhinos defence and goaltender. Unfortunately the bounces and ball luck just wasn’t there. This series was put to rest when S.Pilon doubled the lead with less than two minutes remaining.

(4)Gladiateurs vs Hellfish(5) F3 Game 2

Hellfish rely on overall team effort to advance

Despite being unable to contain J.Vena, the Hellfish still found a way to close off the series. The Gladiateurs looked to their skilled forward as J.Vena was all over the court producing four points that included a hat trick. But that didn’t matter too much in the end for the Hellfish. As long as they won the game that was plenty for M.Zitella and his troops as they look forward to the next round. Unlike the Gladiateurs, the Hellfish relied on everyone contributing in one way or another. Five different players scored that included a huge third period power play goal by N.Bourgeois. The Gladiateurs didn’t have the start they hoped for which had them trail for most of the night. After being down 5-2 in the third period, J.Vena gave life with two straight goals only to fall short in the end.

(4)Latin Blue vs United Arms(5) F3 Game 2

Arms hold off late Latin Blue surge to set date in final

The United Arms may have avoided something that they would have regretted. As comfortable as a 5-1 third period may seem, Latin Blue wasn’t going down that easily. The surge began when S.Monet riffled his second of the game followed with two straight markers by A.Thifault and Darren Taylor. The only problem was that their third goal came with 85 seconds left in the game. G.Missakian made sure to keep his side focused and play out the rest of the game without panic. In the end, it wasn’t pretty but the United Arms found a way to get it done. Latin Blue were totally out matched early on where they ultimately paid the price for it. The win came with the help of H.Jerjian and A.Minassian as both players each scored twice.

The SalumiVino player of the night goes to Anthony Minassian of the United Arms. The forward was vital in the result producing two goals and a helper that included the winner to help advance the United Arms to the final.

With Black Venom winning by forfeit over the Bolts, the division leaders will take on the Raging Rhinos for the F2 Wednesday championship. Both teams will look to their strengths in order to get the job done. Everyone knows that the Black Venom have players that can score at will but the Raging Rhinos do have a style of game along with solid goaltending that can shut them down. If the Rhinos can avoid the penalty box than this series may possibly be up for grabs.

The F3 division will feature two balanced teams. The Hellfish play an intense brand of hockey and like to use their speed. As for the United Arms, they have all the tools to taking it. Led by their captain G.Missakian, the United Arms will look to their key guys up front for scoring while depending on everyone else to play a sound defensive game.