Thursday December 21(Open and E division playoffs)

Captain J.Gagne stole the limelight recording hat trick in five point performance (Open division semi final)

(7)Chiefs vs Altius(2) Game 1

The Chiefs made a resounding statement in the series opener, dominating the Altius with a convincing 7-2 victory. The offensive onslaught was dominated by no other than their captain J.Gagne. His exceptional skill and leadership were on full display as he orchestrated plays, found the back of the net with precision, and set up teammates for success. The Altius didn’t have much to show for until maybe the third period where they finally got to F.Gagnon only two times the entire game. There is to much skill and high end talent for a team like the Altius to go empty handed that long. That could only suggest how well the Chiefs played with and without the ball while heavily relying on F.Gagnon to make the big saves. As the Chiefs celebrated their game one triumph, the Altius now face the challenge of regrouping and adjusting their strategy for the upcoming game as they aim to even the series.

Generals depth outlast Krazy Train in series sweep (E division semi finals)

(2)Krazy Train vs Generals(7) Game 2

As the series unfolded with the Generals up 1-0 in the series, the Krazy Train wanted nothing less than to try and get a good start. Unfortunately, things didn’t pan out that way with the Generals striking twice courtesy of P-M Paradis and J.Brunet. It wasn’t like the Krazy Train didn’t battle hard or get some decent scoring chances. As much as they tried to keeping it close and reducing the gap, the Generals would pull ahead slightly maintaining their advantage. Perhaps a pivotal goal came late in the second period when M.Larin made it 4-2. The Krazy Train knew they had an up hill battle ahead of them having to rely on a shorter bench that seemed to be spent at times. With the games next goal so crucial, R.Morne was able to provide if for the Generals after breaking up a play that sent him alone to beat G.Follano. Both sides knew by then that this series was going to end  favouring the Generals. All that was left over was to play out the clock by simply controlling the game. With the sweep, the Generals showcased their skill and team chemistry like they’ve  done all season long.

Never say die attitude by Armadillos propels them past the Fatal Demons (E division semi finals)

(7)Armadillos vs Fatal Demons(5) S.O Game 2

In what was expected to be a thrilling game 2, the Fatal Demons and the Armadillos treated the spectators to a dramatic battle that went down to the wire, ultimately concluding with a thrilling shootout. The game kicked off with the Fatal Demons showing more purpose and desperation in their game by grabbing the lead. It was clear that the pace was intense with both sides not giving much out there. Every time the Fatal Demons would pull ahead, the Armadillos had an answer. This went on throughout the entire game with the Fatal Demons always playing ahead. At one point, they found themselves up 5-3 in the third period thanks to T.Langiano and G.DeMarinnis finding the back of the net. That was the first time the Fatal Demons took a two goal lead, and it couldn’t have come a better time. The problem was that they perhaps didn’t have enough of that killer instinct to put this contest to rest. As the third period progressed, the Armadillos weren’t done competing sending a clear message that this game wasn’t over. First, N.Zaharopoulos narrowed the gap by one, and finally K.Koutsogiannopoulos sent a sinking feeling to the opposition that this series might end earlier then hoped for. The late game heroics enabled the Armadillos to nearly complete a two game sweep by entering the eventual shootout. During that sequence, the momentum continued in their favour with S.Athanasopoulos and P.Musto each scoring while C.Stavriadis was dialled in denying both attempts by the Fatal Demons. With the series clinching victory, the Armadillos big third period response propelled them to the big dance.

The SalumiVino player of the night goes to Jonathan Gagne of the Chiefs. Gagne’s five point performance, a feat admired by his teammates and everyone else watching, stole the limelight and added an extra layer of excitement to an already thrilling playoff game.

After a series of intense battles, the stage is now set for the championship showdown. The Generals, fresh off their decisive victory in the semi final, will face off against a resilient Armadillos in what promises to be a thrilling final. The Generals are led by a ton of talented players that can score at will. And while the Armadillos possess some of their own, this particular final will need to be played smart by both teams which shouldn’t be an issue. Both sides don’t really have weaknesses with every area of their game covered. When evenly matched like in this case, limiting your mistakes, solid goaltending and the will to compete will all be determining factors. Maybe so close that a lucky bounce here and there along with power play minutes could play a significant role. Time will tell as the ball hockey world now waits in anticipation.

Hockeyballe.com would like to take the opportunity to wish everyone a safe and happy holidays.