Monday October 16

Peters comeback late to secure two clean wins over the Orient

The Peters came out strong right-from the start. After scoring twice in the opening frame, the Peters continued to press adding two more tallies to hand the Orient a very rare defeat. It was an effort expected to have every player chip in one way or another . Notably, the most impressive part of it was C.Fortin shutting the door for two consecutive periods, something extremely difficult to do versus a charged offense. The second match was a lot more thrilling with the Orient determined to make a comeback. They may have given up an early goal, but that didn’t stop them-from surprising the Peters defense with the games next two tallies. F.Nasser and J.Saydi finally solved C.Fortin, and the Orient played in front entering the final frame of the night. Its almost unthinkable to shut the Peters down for an entire period if they are the ones  that need a goal desperately. The Orient may have needed the approach of trying to increase their margin. Instead, M.Richard eventually tied things up, and this contest was headed for a dramatic finish or a shootout. Unfortunately for the Orient, a late play in the dying moments saw M.Crialese complete a mini comeback securing two clean wins for the Peters.

(0)Orient vs The Peters(4)

(2)Orient vs The Peters(4)

Punishers secure dominant win, but Classics retaliate with resounding victory

In a highly anticipated matchup, the Punishers faced off against the Classics in a thrilling mini series. It wasn’t up until the second period that some fire works occurred. The Punishers turned on the switch rattling off four goals while anchored by their net minder R.Ranieri keeping the Classics at bay. The game was one sided enough that left the Classics looking for some redemption in the ensuing match. It showed that the Classics came into the second contest with renewed determination showing unwavering commitment to respond and even the score. Their flawless performance was displayed immediate as they dominated the first period alone with six unanswered goals. O.Valiquette and M.Mavroudis struck for a pair, and K.Duplin was feeling generous setting up many plays that resulted in three assists. The Classics continued to show no mercy into the second period ending the night earlier than expected when O.Valiquette completed his hat trick. This time, S.Morante stepped up in net earning a shutout.

(1)Classics vs Punishers(5)

(7)Classics vs Punishers(0)

Dragons outmatch exhausted Peters in back to back losses

In a challenging matchup, the Peters faced the formidable Dragons in a double header of ball hockey games. Unfortunately, the Peters struggled to keep pace with the Dragons relentless energy and skill. The Dragons set the tone right away scoring three times in the first period before adding two more makers with their special teams. There was no question A.Mirolla was a driving force as the power forward did it all by bagging a hat trick while setting up S.Hrivnak’s winner. The Peters understood that they needed to play in front if they stood a chance at evening the series with the Dragons. To their credit, they accomplished that mission after one period carrying a slight 3-2 lead. When two high end teams that are easily comparable go head to head, endurance and stamina often play a significant role. As much as the Peters displayed the will to battle, they just couldn’t keep up long enough against a fresher side. The Dragons showcased their superior effort overpowering a fatigue side that simply couldn’t keep up. In the span of two and a half minutes, J.Mandracchia, A.Mirolla and S.Hrivnak all scored, and the Dragons stapled a pair of clean wins over a top contender.

(5)Dragons vs The Peters(1)

(5)Dragons vs The Peters(4)

M.Arkalis snaps late tie for Hustlers, Punishers respond with 5 unanswered goals in second match to even series

In the first matchup of this exhilarating hockey game , the Hustlers faced off against the Punishers in a game that was decided toward the end. P.Nakhle got the ball rolling for the Hustlers with two goals in the first period while the Punishers scored by committee with T.Therrien providing a 3-2 lead. The Hustlers however, responded with character as they evened the score thanks to T.Bozinakis. It was clear that both teams were pushing for the win. It was only a question of who and when. With just under two minutes remaining, M.Arkalis came up clutch giving the Hustlers a narrow edge in the series opener. You always look to continue good habits after taking the first encounter. On normal circumstances, the team that just lost shows more determination entering the ensuing match. And although the first period saw both sides trade plenty of chances with lots of back and fort action, the Hustlers escaped the opening frame up 3-2. Then, barely two minutes in, T.Bozinakis converted on the power play followed with P.Arkalis netting a hat trick. Talk about putting yourself in the drivers seat if your the Hustlers. Not only did they lead 5-2, but the Punishers were hitting their eight period in only a couple of hours. The Punishers knew they had quite a task ahead of them. Despite being down by three, the Punishers refused to give up even in the face of exhaustion. They somehow lit up like wild wire scoring goal after goal leaving the Hustlers in total shock and disbelief. P.Karvouriaris had a major hand as the sniper scored twice while setting up three goals in which C.Stamadianos benefited twice. The Punishers did something remarkable by overcoming such a hurdle and will be remembering this game as a defining moment in this regular season.

(4)Hustlers vs Punishers(3)

(5)Hustlers vs Punishers(7)

Sharpshooters out gun Snipers in second encounter after both goaltenders shine in opener

The first game started with both teams playing a tight defensive role. So tight that neither side figured out the goaltenders,. On one end, M.Vinciguerra demonstrated incredible agility and reflexes while on the other, C.Henriquez was equally sharp forcing a scoreless draw into a shootout. Both teams did end up exchanging a goal each in the breakaways which still left no winners. Heading into the second encounter, the storyline was much different as both teams started to click offensively. M.Kardum was determined to do something by notching two first period goals giving the Sharpshooters a narrow 2-1 lead after a period. Its not easy breaking through the Snipers defense, but the Sharpshooters found the lanes and enough space to create chances resulting in three more goals. Their key moments occurred early in the final frame where M.Moisan and J.Teresi capitalised for a sufficient 4-1 lead. With the way M.Vinciguerra was dialled in, the Snipers couldn’t break through a solid goaltender enough times as the Sharpshooters held on to the victory.

(1)Sharpshooters vs Snipers(1) S.O

(5)Sharpshooters vs Snipers(2)

The SalumiVino player of the night goes to Anthony Mirolla of the Dragons. Anthony Mirolla’s exceptional eight point performance across two games showcased his incredible offensive talent ,unselfish playmaking, and a pivotal role in the Dragons two wins over the Peters.