Early Game – Portugal vs Slovenia

The early game pitted first place Portugal against third place Slovenia, who had yet to solve the Portuguese puzzle this season.

The Slovenians came out buzzing, beating the Lisbonites to almost every puck and dominating play. Slovenia’s goalie, El Presidente Frank Rispoli, seeing very little rubber as a result of his team’s efficient forecheck and backcheck. Almost no shots for Portugal in the first and no goals. Their substitute, Nieminen, kept their hopes alive, letting in only one unfortunate puck off a Portuguese skate, credit to Tim Freeman for creating the chance that pays off. 1-0 for Slovenia after one period.

The second period was much of the same with Slovenia playing like a well-oiled machine, confounding Portugal’s offense and, with Rispoli’s help, shutting them out again. Bob King adds one to Slovenia’s lead with an opportunistic point shot that caught Nieminen by surprise.

Portugal still didn’t find their gear in period three, largely due to the excellent play of the Slovenians. Dave Vincelli added two more goals and with only 17 seconds left in the game rookie sensation Don Hambly shattered Rispoli’s shutout bid with a trademark wrister in the top corner.

Final score: Slovenia 4, Portugal 1.

Slovenia moves into second place with this win and shows they have found their groove, putting the league on notice that they are contenders in the 2025-2026 campaign.

Dave Vincelli rides the lion for Slovenia while Dapper Don Hambly takes the honours for Portugal.

Late Game – Italy vs Ireland

Italy took on Ireland in the late show, Ireland looking for its third win in thirteen starts without a victory since October. Analysts have been scratching their heads over these Irishmen all season, wondering why a great squad on paper hasn’t been able to get in gear.

Former scoring champ Paul Riopelle put the Irish ahead with the first period’s lone goal as Tomi Nieminen turned away all Italian chances.

More tight checking in the second period with only Ciro Napolitano’s goal in the waning minutes changing things. Tight hockey and a 1-1 score going into the final frame.

Ireland fans were white-knuckled in the stands as they hoped to avert another heart-breaking third period loss. No scoring for the first ten minutes but Irish eyes were smiling at the midway point when Peter McKay put the green team ahead 2-1.

Both teams battled furiously with Senkowski and Nieminen holding steady for most of the period. Irish palms were sweaty as the Italians continued to press. Would this be another heart-breaker.

With the crowd in a frenzy, Irishman Joel May potted the insurance goal in the waning minutes, ending this one with an Irish victory!!

Italy’s POG goes to veteran D-man Steve Sparrow with an assist on top of his usual strong defensive play. Ireland’s player of the game goes to groovy Jeff Boulton. Peace out man!

So the underdogs win both games this week, flattening out the standings and proving that it really is a 20-game pre-season. Historians of the PCOHL will recall that teams at the bottom when the season ended have gone on to win GOLD in the playoffs. This season is shaping up very interestingly in that regard.

Next week the Irish will look to continue their positive roll against the rested Scots while this week’s losers (Italy and Portugal) try to turn things around in the late game.