Thursday August 24 (Final)

Black Knights dethrone GK Lite on back of J.Crivello double OT winner

(4)Black Knights vs GK Lite(3) OT(2)

The GK’s bid for a third straight title was denied by the Black Knights on Thursday night. It showed-from as soon as the ball dropped that the Black Knights didn’t want to sit back while applying an aggressive fore-check. And when they needed a save, F.Gagnon was there to back them up. The Black Knights owned much of the first period scoring three of the four goals by D.Lombardi, P.Abandonado and S.Racicot. They played a period expected of a team eager to end a series. The GK Lite had some scoring chances, but F.Gagnon kept standing in the way. While the first period was a step in the right direction, the final frame had a different story line. This time, the GK Lite were the ones that played with more urgency with their season on the line. As long as they got the next goal this contest was far-from being decided. Eventually, they got their thanks to G.Lubwele narrowing the gap by one right before K.Kuczmarski tied the game a minute later. Once the equaliser came, the two teams played the edgy ,defense stingy style that often wins championships. It came to that point in a game where neither side could have afforded a mistake. Luckily enough, the goaltending did not disappoint with F.Gagnon and P.Caouette keeping their clubs in it. The Black Knights and the GK Lite didn’t just need one overtime period to decide matters, but a second one before something was to give. There were enough big chances for somebody to play the hero. As long as both sides kept finding ways to generate a shot on net, something was bound to go in. That pivotal moment finally came courtesy of J.Crivello, who made sure to bury his chance and end the stalemate in what was a grinding and thrilling hockey game. In the perspective of the GK Lite, it may have felt disappointing knowing they were right there for a third straight title. The GK Lite didn’t relinquish their grip on the title without a fight. They never quit and left everything on the court which is expected-from a side with a winning pedigree. But tonight did belong to a side that’s just got accustomed to one another in a very short period of time. While many know the Black Knights have been around for several decades, 34 years to be exact, this particular group are fairly new to an ongoing legacy. It just went to show by putting together the right pieces along with the proper guidance anything is possible. Congratulations go out to the Black Knights for winning the Dek Elite Championship.

The SalumiVino player of the night goes to Fred Gagnon of the Black Knights. Facing the GK Lite as a goaltender carries a ton of pressure. That being said, F.Gagnon was dialled in-from the very beginning making a bunch of key saves to help lead his team to a well earned victory.