Sunday December 3(Final)

Canadiens secure championship in  victory over Bruins

(4)Bruins vs Canadiens(7)

The atmosphere was electric as the top two seeds battled it out in a game that will be remembered for its intensity and plenty of action. It was evident that both teams were hungry for success. Since the Bruins had a depleted line up, a good start was important in order to try and avoid chasing the game. Unfortunately, they fell behind early, but kept the game extremely close ensuring that the championship remained within reach. The Canadiens worked to their identity keeping their opponent off the score sheet for a very long period of time. As the game entered its latter stages, the Canadiens continued to apply pressure capitalising on some important chances that saw G.DeStefano and G.Santacroce riffle their second of the game. The Bruins, battling fatigue and a shortage of players, fought valiantly to stay in the contest. Their goaltender made some remarkable saves, keeping hope alive for a comeback. Despite the Bruins efforts however, the Canadiens stood firm, maintaining their lead and fending off the Bruins offensive pushes. As the final buzzer sounded, the crowd erupted in cheers, signalling the Canadiens triumph and the clinching of the Sunday division championship. The trophy presentation marked the culmination of a seasons worth of hard work, dedication and passion for the game. On behalf of Hockeyballe.com, congratulations go out to the Canadiens for claiming the Sunday Draft division title.

The Allo Mon Coco Ste Dorothee player of the game goes to Mike Tzouvadakis of the Canadiens. The championship title not only belongs to the Canadiens as a team, but also to the individuals who rose to the occasion when it mattered the most, especially their net minder that stood tall the entire time.

Thursday November 30

A.Belanger shines with 5 assists and a goal for the Brew Crew

(3)HC Fennecs vs Brew Crew( 8 )

Despite giving up an early goal, it was the Brew Crew that owned the opening frame on four unanswered tallies. A.Belanger wasted no time making his presence felt using his vision to set up C.Magri and L.Verta on two occasions each. His offensive prowess was on full display adding an early second period goal before capping off his productive night with a late assist. The chemistry among the Brew Crew players was evident, as they seamlessly moved the ball and capitalised on their chances. The HC Fennecs found themselves on their heels, unable to contain the multifaceted threat that the Brew Crew posed, and perhaps more so A.Belanger. The Brew Crew haven’t been to pleased on their recent performances as the playoffs are approaching. Maybe tonight’s result will help them steer the wheel in the right direction as they look to be a respectable force in the post season.

Black Knights surge in third period, C.Gingras makes immediate impact with 4 points

(6)Black Knights vs Altius(2)

In a closely contested battle, the Black Knights emerged victorious in a thrilling matchup against the Altius, breaking a 2-2 tie deadlock with an explosive third period that saw them net four consecutive goals. The turning point of the game came with the remarkable performance of C.Gingras, who was able to snap the tie on the power play as part of a productive four point night. It didn’t take long after the huge tally for P.Musto to follow up. The veteran widened the gap by two before setting up D.Lombardi shortly after for a second Black Knights power play marker. The Black Knights found a way to change gears in the final stretch in order to separate themselves-from a well rounded a opponent. The Altius, would liked to avoid visiting the penalty box, but were stuck trying to kill off a pair of power plays. Unfortunately, they couldn’t win the battle of the special teams which came to hurt them in the end. It may have come in a losing cause, but P.Arkalis along with the help of A.Kobayati were clearly the Altius’s two best players sharing two points each.

Generals pull away in second period, claim regular season division title

( 8 )Generals vs Armadillos(5)

In a high scoring and action packed showdown, the Generals orchestrated a formidable surge in the second period to overcome the Armadillos, clinching an 8-5 triumph. The win propelled them to the coveted top spot in the division standings. The first period was marked by intense back and forth play, with both teams trading two goal apiece.  However, it was in the second period that the Generals truly came alive, turning the tide decisively in their favour. The three goal surge saw different players take turns finding the back of the net. The Armadillos did get the final word before the frame ended thanks to N.Kakouras narrowing the gap by two. In hopes of building off that late tally, the Armadillos were unable to make any ground with the Generals applying a constant wave of pressure. J-R Turgeon came up big posting back to back tallies while setting up J.Cote’s second late in the game. As they celebrated their victory, the Generals took pride in jumping a couple of spots which makes them the regular season division winners, giving them also a first round bye and a direct spot to the semi final.

The SalumiVino player of the night goes to Anthony Belanger of the Brew Crew. His offensive onslaught showcased a combination of finesse, vision and ability to score. Six of the eight goals scored by the Brew Crew stemmed-from A.Belanger, who will play a big role if his club is to go far in the post season.

As the dust settles on the E Thursday regular season, the anticipation for playoff hockey reaches a fever pitch. The final standings have paved the way for exciting match ups, with the Armadillos preparing to face off a very familiar opponent in the Brew Crew. The Armadillos will carry some unfinished business as they look to get some redemption against last winters champs. So far this season, the Armadillos have shown way more consistency compared to an average regular season by the Brew Crew. But playoff hockey is a different animal, and the Brew Crew look to play for the big moment. Although the Armadillos enter as favourites, this first round match up will be a dogfight. The other game will feature Rated R taking on the Krazy Train. This contest will be a test of limiting mistakes. Rated R have the structure and discipline to do all the little things right, and should be comfortable about their overall game. While the Krazy Train have the potential to do the same, they haven’t shown it enough throughout the regular season. If they could put it all together in a one game do or die match up, than anything is possible. Look for this to be a close battle till the end. The winners of this current round will face off against the top two seeds that will be watching-from the side lines. The Generals and the Fatal Demons skipped the first round for finishing in the top two spots with the Generals owning the tie breaker for first place.

Thursday November 29(Semi finals)

Thrilling comeback falls short as Oilers succumb to Senators

(5)Senators vs Oilers(4)

For a good solid 30 minutes, the Senators had everything go right for them as they built a nice 4-0 cushion. M.Estrela finished off a couple of nice plays, and M.Mascitto was holding the fort in net yet to concede a goal. However, the Oilers didn’t let the initial set back dampen their spirits. The mind set was simple, get the next tally and take it a shift at a time. Finally, M.Lauzon provided the spark for the Oilers that finally got his side on board. Although the deficit was still an uphill battle, the Oilers knew they had enough time to climb out of a hole. The team was able to rally together and apply a ton of pressure which put the Senators playing on their heels. With only two minutes left to go, S.Ouellette scored a fluky goal that put the Oilers within a shot away-from tying the game. There is no question that the Senators started to feel some panic and unease with still enough time for an epic collapse. But by remaining focused, the Senators kept their composure and simply defended well while patiently bleeding out the clock.

The Allo Mon Coco Ste Dorothee player of the game goes to Monika Estrela of the Senators.  In the midst of an intense playoff game, M.Estrela brings her game to another level emerging as the undeniable difference maker netting two big goals and a crucial assist.

Rangers triumph in thriller as Hurricanes comeback effort falls short

(4)Rangers vs Hurricanes(3)

In a back and forth battle that had the players running on emotion, the Rangers made that one late crucial play that ultimately decided the fate of this series. The Hurricanes fought back a couple of times to level, but never had the luxury to play in front. The contest was dead even at three goals apiece with less than three minutes to go. Neither side wanted to make a mistake with so much on the line. That being said, something was to give, and that’s when A.Cavalieri seized the moment by snapping the late tie. Like throughout the entire game, the final minutes intensified even more as the Hurricanes kept making a push for a desperate equaliser. No matter how hard they tried to break the barrier, D.Apikian stood in the way making the big key saves that enabled his side to punch a ticket to the final.

The Allo Mon Coco Ste Dorothee player of the game goes to Danny Apikian of the Rangers. In a game filled with heart stopping moments and late game heroics , goaltender D.Apikian stood tall between the pipes turning away shots while demonstrating remarkable poise under pressure.

The stage is now set for a highly anticipated final between the Senators and the Rangers. After both sides went through a heart breaking semi final round, expect the final to live up to the hype. Although the Senators wont match the Rangers speed, experience will side with the Senators as they’ll look to formulate a nice little game plan to keep their opposition in check.  The Senators and the Rangers will leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of victory. Hockey enthusiast can mark their calendars for what promises to be a memorable Wednesday night showdown between two formidable teams.

Tuesday November 28(Semi Finals)

Canucks dynamic duo T.Nardelli and T.Perluzzo shine in thumping victory over Penguins

(4)Penguins vs Canucks(13)

In what was expected to be a stunning playoff showdown between the Penguins and Canucks didn’t quite turn out that way. The Penguins carried their identity as a solid defensive team, but tonight looked completely out of sync unable to slow down a much more determined Canucks side. Things started to spiral into one direction once T.Nardelli got the Canucks on board. From-there, it was evident that the Canucks meant business. T.Nardelli and T.Perluzzo quickly established their presence on the rink, showcasing instant chemistry as the two caused fits for the Penguins defense and goaltender. Both players went on to combine for a whopping 14 points that saw Nardelli strike six times. Their ability to read each others plays and anticipate the oppositions moves created seamless offensive strategies that left the Penguins in disarray. The Canucks defense also played a crucial role in the victory, stifling the Penguins attempts to do anything right. For a game that had so much on the line, the Penguins couldn’t have picked a worse night to lay an egg.

The Allo Mon Coco Ste Dorothee player of the game goes to Tony Nardelli of the Canucks. The forwards impact was felt throughout most of the match keeping the Penguins defense and goaltender on high alert. By the time it was said and done, the sharpshooter bagged an impressive six goals and an assist.

Ducks soar to victory with team effort, B.Verducci stands tall in net

(9)Ducks vs Sharks(5)

From-the outset, both teams displayed a relentless determination to secure a pivotal playoff victory. The Ducks, however, proved to be the more cohesive unit, with  efforts coming throughout their entire line-up. D.Galloro led the charge up front with four goals while K.Tsoukalas buried three that included perhaps a game changing penalty shot goal. While the offensive firepower fuelled the Ducks success, goaltender B.Verducci stole the show with a remarkable display of skill and agility. The net minder kept the Ducks playing ahead by stopping five straight penalty shots. There was no question that those attempts were the defining moments of this game. The Ducks led 5-2 at one point, but the Sharks battled back to even the score on three quick goals. Once tied, K.Tsoukalas made sure to bury his chance on a penalty shot for the Ducks regaining the lead which translated into a surge for a strong finish for the Ducks. The Ducks defensive efforts complimented Verducci’s stellar performance , effectively limiting the Sharks scoring opportunities and creating turnovers that led to offensive chances. The teams commitment to a strong two way game was a key factor in securing their advancement to the final.

The Allo Mon Coco Ste Dorothee player of the game goes to Ben Verducci of the Ducks. The goaltender delivered quite a performance denying five straight penalty shots while making a bunch of key saves that enabled his side to keep playing in front.

As the Ducks and the Canucks prepare for the final, anticipation is high as both teams eagerly wait to see which side emerges as champions. The Canucks, led by the dynamic duo of T.Nardelli and T.Perluzzo will look to continue their momentum in one final game. As for the Ducks, its all about keeping it simple. As long as they stay focused and remain patient, than its anybody’s guess who will prevail. Expect both teams to leave everything on the court in pursuit of capturing the Tuesday Draft division title.

Monday November 27

Snipers and Assadi Consulting inc swap identical scores

As the tensions continued to run high with neither team carrying an edge, N.Goncalves delivers a late blow giving the Assadi Consulting inc a narrow 3-2 lead that  would ultimately hold up for the winner. Goncalves scored his second in what was a thrilling finish between two fierce rivals. Eager to even the mini series, the Snipers enter the second game with more determination. The two sides traded a couple of first period goals leaving more to come in an exciting final frame. A.Saleh snapped the tie just two minutes in for the Snipers forcing the Assadi Consulting inc to find an answer. The Snipers, known for their defensive prowess, immediately focus on protecting their 3-2 lead. They deploy a strategic defensive formation making it extremely difficult for the Assadi Consulting inc to find openings. At one point late in the game, the Assadi Consulting inc were awarded a golden power play chance along with the goaltender pulled to try and level. And rather than creating some high end chances, the Snipers kept getting in the way by blocking shots and trapping the lanes. C.Henriquez was barely involved in net thanks to his committed fleet in front of him.

(2)Snipers vs Assadi Consulting inc(3)

(3)Snipers vs Assadi Consulting inc(2)

O.Wahid showcasing  unparalleled skill in Orients wins over the Hustlers

The first half of the game unfolds with both teams keeping it extremely tight. C.Stavriadis and M.Jobin have yet to concede a goal as both sides tried finding ways to break the spell. As the final frame began, the Orient finally got on board rattling off three of the games four goals. The key marker came by their captain F.Nasser as the d-man snapped a 1-1 tie barely a minute after P.Assadi got the Hustlers on the score sheet. The Orient went on to secure the win when A.Laramee fed a yawning cage. Fresh off a hard earned win, the Orient is determined to maintain their momentum heading into the second match. Normally, it’s the losing team that shows more punch in their game as they look for redemption, but that wasn’t the case with the Orient dictating the terms early on. The Hustlers felt stunned after finding themselves behind 4-1 after the first period.  It just seemed no matter how hard the Hustlers tried to comeback, the Orient looked a step ahead. They added three more tallies by the final frame with their usual suspects running up the score. O.Wahid was responsible for all seven goals that the Orient scored as the magician with the ball collected a whopping three goals and four assists. M.David and A.Laramee each scored twice, and M.Jobin was stellar once more allowing only three tallies in four periods.

(1)Hustlers vs Orient(3)

(2)Hustlers vs Orient(7)

Sharpshooters surge late in second game to salvage a point

A combination of stellar goaltending, ,solid defense and timely goals enabled the Degenerates to get the better of the Sharpshooters in the opening game. Scoring first proved to go a long way with J.Courteau scoring not once but twice for a 2-0 cushion. Although the Sharpshooters responded to cut the lead in half, the Degenerates were able to shut them down playing the clock to their advantage. The Sharpshooters felt they needed to get on board first in the ensuing game if they planned on splitting the night. And while M.Kardum accomplished that mission early on, the Degenerates still found a way to regain control and grab an eventual lead. At one point, they jumped ahead 5-3 on scoring efforts by J.Courteau’s second multi goal game and T.Settino’s key power play goal. The Sharpshooters appeared to be down and out knowing that a two goal deficit was an uphill battle to climb against a team that doesn’t give much. However, by pulling out their net minder, the extra space played a major factor as to why they bounced back with two late goals. The two sides would then test their luck in a shootout where neither team really got an edge. The Sharpshooters didn’t have their best two games, but showed a lot of character by battling back late. As for the Degenerates, apart-from that late sequence, the team played an all around solid two games.

(1)Sharpshooters vs Degenerates(2)

(6)Sharpshooters vs Degenerates(6) S.O

Peters remain searching for answers, D.Delaronde steals the spotlight on back to back shutouts

Its no secret so far that the Peters are currently facing a challenging time with their offense. In hopes of overcoming their scoring drought, tonight only made matters worse as they went empty handed in both their losses to the Dragons. The Dragons defense proved to be a formidable obstacle for the Peters attack. Despite concerted efforts to create scoring chances, the Peters find it challenging to breach the Dragons solid defensive lines and especially the goaltender. D.Delaronde was lights out stopping every single shot in four consecutive periods As long as the Dragons scored at least once, the net minder was comfortable in his abilities to make a difference. D.Lombradi and A.Ponzo got the two lone goals in the opener. As for the second tilt, P.Musto added a pair while D.Lombardi and B.Daniele scored as well. These consecutive losses without scoring may prompt the Peters to reassess their offensive strategies and make adjustments to overcome their current challenges. In a division where every team defends the way they do, scoring first will come a long way. The Peters may not need to bury many, but have to figure a way to get on board first.

(0)The Peters vs Dragons(2)

(0)The Peters vs Dragons(4)

Goaltenders dominance, Chris and Angelos Ekonomakis absolutely brilliant for their respective clubs

The match ups between the Classics and the Punishers witnessed and extraordinary goaltending display. If not for C.Ekonomakis of the Punishers and C.Ekonomakis of the Classics guarding the cage, the scores would resemble one of football game. Instead, the two were extremely dialled in making more than their fair share of jaw dropping saves. While the goaltending battle was evenly matched, the Classics ultimately secured both wins over the Punishers due to their way deeper bench. What more can you say about a player like C.Gingras that was involved in nearly every goal. His versatility was evident in his ability to adapt to different game situations. Whether its creating  scoring chances, playing a two way game, or contributing defensively when needed, Cingras has it all when it comes to a ball hockey player. There is no question that the Classics are a legit contender of the division. As much as A.Ekonomakis and C.Gingras are a major asset, the Classics have to much depth in their arsenal with players such as J.Gagne, K.Duplin, the Kakivelis bothers and that’s just to name a few. Although beatable, teams will need to play at their best if they stand a chance.

(2)Punishers vs Classics(5)

(0)Punishers vs Classics(4)

The SalumiVino player of the night goes to Dakota Delaronde of the Dragons. After capturing his first impressive shutout , D.Delaronde carries the momentum in the second match duplicating his efforts once more by going flawless the rest of the way.

Division 1 regular season came to an end on Monday night. With the top three seeds waiting for their semi final match, the fourth place Peters will take on the fifth place Punishers for the fourth seed in which the winner will take on the division leading Dragons. The other semi final game is determined already with the Orient squaring off against the Classics.