Early Game – Italy vs Ireland

Italy and Ireland faced off in the early tilt, both teams looking to rebound from week 1 losses.

Ciro Napolitano broke the ice for Italy followed by Steve Davis to make it 2-0 for the Romans late in the first period. Ireland’s Jeff Boulton responded with 3 minutes to go, but Italy wasn’t done, adding two more goals from rookie Kevin MacDougall and another from Steve Davis to make it 4-1 for the Sicilians after one period.

Napolitano made it 5-1 half way through second but sniper Patty Sharp quickly narrowed the lead to 5-2. Rob McLaughlin and Paul Riopelle made it a game by bringing the Leprechauns within one (5-4) with under four minutes to go in the second, but the Italians got two back-breakers before the period ended off the sticks of Rick Cecchetto and Steve Davis for the hat-trick. 7-4 after two periods.

The fighting Irish never gave up though, scoring two unanswered goals in the third period, but came up just short. This one ends Italy 7, Ireland 6. A great back and forth battle between two promising teams.

Italy Player of the Game goes to Jodie Young while Tony Deluca takes the honours for Ireland.

Late Game – Slovenia vs Portugal

Portugal gets its first taste of action for the year against a Slovenian squad hot off a commanding week 1 victory over Ireland.

Both teams feeling eachother out early with strong defensive and goaltending efforts in the first by both squads. Bob King picks up the first period’s lone goal making it 1-0 for Slovenia.

Joe Peacock wristed one past Rispoli the goalie halfway through period 2, but Dave Vincelli quickly put Slovenia ahead. But Portugal kept fighting and ended the period with two nice goals by Alan Robb and Robin Chantaj. Portugal 3, Italy 2 after two periods.

It was looking like it would end this way until with six minutes left in the game Aggie Falcone put one in off Cioffi’s shoulder to tie the game at 3. But Portugal put the nail in the coffin two minutes later with a goal from Robin Flumerfelt and that’s how this one ended. Portugal 4, Slovenia 3.

Slovenia’s Player of the Game goes to THE PREZ, Rispoli the Goalie. Joe Peacock gets the honours for Portugal with a Gordie Howe hat-trick (G, A, P).