Monday January 29

Chiefs secure double wins in showdown with the Peters

Playing with the lead proved to be crucial, and the Chiefs, under the leadership of captain J.Gagne, got off to the better start creating havoc for the opposition. Gagne led the charge up front scoring twice while setting up O.Valiquette for a 3-0 lead. From-there, the Chiefs left no room for doubt as they closed out the deal despite the Peters pulling themselves within one. Their last three goals were all scored in an empty net after the Peters pulled out their net minder for the extra attacker. Entering the second contest, the Peters knew they needed to pull ahead. Only a minute in, and M.Dettorre followed the assignment by striking right away for the Peters. The game evolved into a defensive showcase , with goalies on both sides making spectacular saves to keep their teams in it. The Chiefs however fought back valiantly answering the score twice by the very same O.Valiquette. That equaliser came with only three minutes left on the clock which eventually forced this game into a shootout. The shootout unfolded as a tense and dramatic showdown between two very skilled teams. While the skill set of sending three players on each side was anything of short, the real story belonged to which net minder was going to prevail. In tonight’s particular case, G.Vermette shined denying all three attempts for the Chiefs  en route to a second straight victory.

(3)The Peters vs Chiefs(7)

(2)The Peters vs Chiefs(3) S.O

Hustlers string together two big wins against recent champs Classics

In a remarkable display of skill, determination, and teamwork, the Hustlers look to gain some respect by defeating a dynasty team on two occasions. The matchups unfolded as high stakes ball hockey showdowns , showcasing the Hustlers resilience and ability to outshine a formidable opponent. Of coarse it wasn’t going to come easy, but goals by M.Arkalis and T.Bozinakis coupled with C.Stavriadis dialled in between the pipes, the message was sent that the Hustlers mean business this season. Buoyed by their success in the first game, the Hustlers carried much of their momentum into the second tilt. They did nearly everything right by building a solid 3-1 lead while getting the expected goaltending by C.Stavriadis. Perhaps, their only hiccup throughout the entire four periods occurred late in the final frame where they gave up two goals that sent the match into a shootout. Once there however, the Hustlers captured a second win courtesy of P.Arkalis and J.Mandracchia getting the better of A.Ekonomakis while C.Stavriadis denied two of the three attempts he faced. Unlike the previous season, the Hustlers will come ready to play game in and game out making sure that their opponent will battle extremely hard in order to try and defeat them.

(1)Classics vs Hustlers(2)

(4)Classics vs Hustlers(5) S.O

Les Yables bounce back twice late to salvage some points against the DHK

A sudden surge early in the last period saw the DHK overpower Les Yables to take a 4-2 lead. While things were headed in the right direction for the DHK, Les Yables used a spirited effort to bounce back and eventually level the game. The shootout unfolded as a dramatic duel between the two teams, each shooter attempting to outmaneuver the opposing goaltender. The court did tilt in DHK’s favour however with D.Seguin and A.Manelli capitalising for the 7-6 result. Much of the second encounter did mirror the first one with the DHK ahead by a pair in the final frame. And rather than using their killer instinct to put the mini series away, Les Yables refused to concede defeat. Maybe some little luck was involved since time was clicking down and any shot on net along with a potential rebound would do it. P.Corbin happened to be at the right place to bury his chance and send the game into a second shootout. Although they didn’t quite get the result they were hoping for, Les Yables was content to settle for a draw. The DHK on the other hand felt they deserved better knowing that they should have closed out both games.

(6)Les Yables vs DHK(7) S.O

(4)Les Yables vs DHK(4) S.O

Assadi Consulting inc close out the deal by securing two slight leads over the Snipers

The opening game kicked off with both teams vying for control in a tightly contested battle. For the large part, it was the Assadi Consulting inc dictating the terms. They scored twice in the first period, and Pedram Assadi stood firm in net allowing only H.Salman to beat him. The net minder was well insulted however with a solid unit in front of him that doesn’t give much. With G.DeMarinis closing out the deal on two straight goals, the Assadi Consulting inc completed half of their assignment. Entering the second match, the game was much closer, but the Assadi Consulting inc still managed to play ahead. Even though the Snipers levelled it 1-1, Y.Nazarian was there to break the tie on the power play. The Snipers had no choice but to pull out M.St-Laurent for the extra attacker. Unfortunately, the move didn’t pay off with S.Kalaydjian and N.Chiminian feeding the empty cage. As much as the Snipers fought valiantly, the Assadi Consulting inc’s strategic play and solid defense ultimately secured their second win in the intense games.

(4)Assadi Consulting inc vs Snipers(1)

(4)Assadi Consulting inc vs Snipers(2)

Sharpshooters shine as they outpace Degenerates in both wins

Despite putting a valiant effort, the Degenerates simply couldn’t keep up against a quicker and deeper opponent. The first encounter got decided in the final frame with D.Sarno pouncing on a couple of chances to make the score 4-2, and ultimately securing the victory. In order for the Degenerates to pose any sort of threat in the ensuing match, a strong start was required. And despite pulling ahead 2-0, it just wasn’t good enough. The Sharpshooters amount of ball possession coupled with some nice passing plays was on full display as they fired a barrage of shots that overwhelmed a slower and tired opponent. V.Pandza finished off a couple of nice plays as did A.Lepore later in the game to solidify another convincing victory. Much of the Sharpshooters offense stems-from their back end with D.Greco setting up a total of eight goals in two games. In summary, the Sharpshooters combination of offensive prowess and solid defence proved to much for the Degenerates to handle.

(2)Degenerates vs Sharpshooters(4)

(2)Degenerates vs Sharpshooters(7)

The SalumiVino player of the night goes to Tasso Bozinakis of the Hustlers. His impact in both games was evident orchestrating scoring opportunities by making crisp and precise passes that resulted in three primary assists along  with wicked slap shot goal.