Monday December 11 (Divisions 1 & 2 semi finals)

Snipers stunned after dropping a devastating loss to Sharpshooters (Division 2)

In a heart pounding showdown between the Sharpshooters and the Snipers , the second game of the series unfolded with intensity and excitement after the Sharpshooters easily handed the Snipers an earlier 6-1 defeat. The Snipers offensive strategy seemed to be working with H.Salman providing two big goals for what appeared to be a safe 3-1 lead. As desperation started to kick in for the Sharpshooters, pulling out their net minder for the extra attacker proved to pay massive dividends as they got their on two late goals by A.Reid. Then, with the final moments of the game turning into a nail biting spectacle, the Sharpshooters orchestrated a dramatic play that saw D.Sarno put a significant blow to the Snipers season. The Snipers, stunned by the sudden turn of events, had no time to respond. From-potentially forcing a third and deciding game wasn’t meant to be for a team that had high expectations. Sometimes, the ball just doesn’t bounce your way no matter how hard you battle. Since both teams are equally matched, tonight favoured a side that played extremely well while getting the key timely goals.

(1)Snipers vs Sharpshooters(6) Game 1

(3)Snipers vs Sharpshooters(4) Game 2

Classics stifle Orients offensive threats, punch ticket to another final   (Division 1)

Starting the game with a 2-0 first period lead provided the Classics all the momentum they needed in order to take out a fierce opponent. Of coarse, C.Gingras was behind it by not only setting up M.Destounis, but by bagging his clubs second leaving A.Ekonomakis to take care of the rest. Apart -from letting P.Bonneau beat him by the mid way point of the final frame, the net minder was definitely feeling good about his overall game. The second contest almost required the Orient to jump ahead. And while they had their fair share of decent chances, A.Ekonomakis continued-from where he left off frustrating a desperate opponent. Its almost inconceivable to shut out an arsenal of players like the Classics have. At one point, they’ll find a way, and that moment finally occurred when C.Gingras made a brilliant play in the neutral zone to win his battle before sniping it behind the Orients net minder. With the next tally likely defining this series, the Orient never had a chance to get on board. Instead, M.Mavroudis doubled the lead, and the Classics added a pair of insurance markers to reach another final. The Classics triumph in the semi final series sets for an exciting continuation of their journey, as they look forward to claim another championship in the Monday 4vs4 division.

(1)Orient vs Classics(2) Game 1

(0)Orient vs Classics(4) Game 2

Dragons outlast Peters in closing moments of third and deciding game (Division 1)

It was almost required for the Peters to grab the opening game if they stood a chance to eliminate the Dragons. The game remained close, and the stakes were high, but the Peters  were able to pull it off on a strong team effort. M.Cerrone finished off a brilliant play after receiving a beautiful pass in motion by M.Argiris. M.Dettorre would than add his second in an empty cage, and the Peters took an important game one series lead. It became evident by the mid way point of the opening frame in the ensuing match that the Peters faced challenges maintaining their energy and momentum. Whether due to fatigue, strong defensive plays by the Dragons or other factors, the Peters struggled to keep up level of play that had had brought them success in game one of the series. The match was so lopsided that this series needed a third and deciding game. The Dragons launched a first period onslaught scoring five times to put the game to rest. Although the Peters knew it was a lost cause, a solid twelve minute mini game was all they needed in order to punch a ticket to the final. Things were seemingly going to plan when M.Argiris struck first on the power play to gain a 1-0 advantage. Unable to hold off a power house offense, the Dragons were able to level on a strong play by A.Ponzo. Still, the series was up for grabs as anything can happen with just over three minutes remaining. Both sides felt that the next tally would likely decide the fate of this series. And as it often happens when things are on the line, your big players tend to show up for the big moments. That’s when A.Mirolla took the bull by the horns using his fierce strength and position to bury his chance. Now that the Peters fell behind, the gamble of pulling their net minder for the extra attacker didn’t quite pay off. Instead, A.Mirolla fed a yawning cage followed with B.Daniele doing the same propelling the Dragons to reach the final.

(2)Dragons vs The Peters(3) Game 1

(8)Dragons vs The Peters(1) Game 2

(4)Dragons vs The Peters(1) Game 3

Degenerates celebrate after narrow wins over the Assadi Consulting inc ( Division 2)

As expected-from both sides that  played throughout a bunch of close regular season games, this round wasn’t any different. The games were marked by intense action, close scores , and impressive plays-from both sides. The Degenerates demonstrated their resilience and teamwork, facing tough challenges posed by the Assadi Consulting inc. The first encounter barely landed in their favour squeezing out a 3-2 victory. There was no question something had to give in order for this series to extend and keep the Assadi Consulting inc playoff hopes alive. Initially, the Assadi Consulting inc had the start they had hoped for jumping out to a 2-0 lead. Despite plenty of time left over, the Degenerates were on the ropes knowing that it would take a valiant effort in order to bounce back. At certain points, the Assadi Consulting inc missed out on extending their margin. R.Ranieri made some crucial timely saves which only inspired his club to bounce back. Eventually, the Degenerates levelled the score erasing a 2-0 deficit setting the stage for a dramatic finish. With neither side getting it done in regulation time, a dreaded shootout stood in the way of where this series was headed. After numerous attempts with no clear indication of who would prevail, T.Settino scored on the fifth round of the shootout which required a huge save by R.Ranieri in order to cap off a memorable and exciting finish to the series.

(2)Assadi Consulting inc vs Degenerates(3) Game 1

(4)Assadi Consulting inc vs Degenerates(5) S.O Game 2

The SalumiVino player of the night goes to Angelos Ekonomakis of the Classics. As good as your team is in front of you, allowing only one goal against the Orient is quite a feat. The Classics are advancing to the final in large part due to their net minder, who was once again absolutely stellar allowing only one single shot to beat him in four periods.

The stage is now set for an intense and highly anticipated rival final in the first division between the Classics and the Dragons. This match up promises to be a thrilling showdown with both teams eager to assert their claim to glory. While the Classics have the hardware to show for winning the division a multiple times, the Dragons will take the opportunity to dethrone a dynasty team in the Classics.  In order for that to happen, A.Ekonomakis has to be human in net. If the net minder plays atop of his game coupled with the existing fire power the Classics already have, then expect another repeat for the current champs.

As for the second division, the Degenerates will have a date with the Sharpshooters for all the marbles. Both teams know each other to well which will require some basic strategies along with limiting their mistakes. Both teams will look to their go to players to make significant contributions. Whether through skilful offensive plays , solid defense or brilliant goaltending, each team will seek to outperform the other and claim the coveted championship title.