Early Game – Scotland vs Portugal

The final week of Round 1 started with 1-2 Portugal looking to even up their record with 2-1 Scotland. Portugal would have last year’s Hart Trophy winner Steve Davis in the lineup for only the second time this year and looked for a spark from the smooth-skating centre.

Greg Platt opened the scoring midway through the first, but Davis answered quickly for the Lisbonites. Dave Skingley and Bruce Freeman followed for Portugal who led after one period: 3-1.

The second period was a scoring flurry. John Levac notched his third of the season eight minutes in but was answered quickly by Davis for his second of the game. Joel May then lifted a nifty Levac pass over Rispoli’s shoulder, but the elder Freeman bagged his second moments later to restore Portugal’s 2-goal lead. Don Hambly and Steve Davis padded the lead further before Platt could respond, but when the dust settled it was 7-4 for Portugal after two periods.

Both teams managed singles in the third, Davis for his fourth and George Letsos for Portugal. This one ends 8-5 for the Portuguese.

Steve Davis, hammering the Scottish goal in the final minute, gets POG for Portugal, while big George Letsos earns the honours for Scotland with a great two-way game.

Portugal POG Steve Davis looking for number five

Scotland POG George Letsos

Late Game – Slovenia vs Italy

The late game was a barn-burner, both teams looking to improve on their 1-2 records to finish Round 1.

The Slovenians came out VERY strong in this one, catching the Italians off guard. FIVE UNANSWERED GOALS in the first period — TWO for Paul Riopelle, TWO for Jeff Boulton, and a single from Steve Boyle put the Italians in a 5-0 hole after one period.

Period two was a goaltender’s duel. Henderson settled into his net and turned away every Slovenian chance, while Cioffi’s only blemish was a Dave Wodar goal in the final minute. 5-1 for Slovenia after two periods.

Seemingly sparked by Wodar finally solving Cioffi, the Italians went on a TEAR in period three. Sub Robin Chantaj opened the scoring, followed by Wodar adding two more for the hat-trick to make it 5-4 for Slovenia.

But Riopelle picked up his third and fourth of the night in the final minutes, answered only by a Fred Raidl single, and that’s how this one ended: Slovenia 7, Italy 5. Massive props to the Italians for not giving up in this one. A huge 3rd period effort on their part almost gave them the comeback.

Slovenian’s Player of the game, hammering the Italian net with four goals, is Paul Riopelle. Italy’s POG with the hat-trick is Dave Wodar.

Slovenia POG Paul Riopelle

Italy POG Dave Wodar