Early Game – Scotland vs Italy

Kicking off Round 2 of the regular season, we repeat the first games of the year, starting with Scotland vs Italy. The Romans were none too happy with the kilts after their September 18 bout, accusing them of running up the score and vowing revenge. These Italians talked the talk. But could they walk the walk?

Both goalies looked very strong through most of the first period until Alan Robb broke the ice with 3 minutes to go. But Robin Flumerfelt answered 20 seconds later to end period one in a 1-1 tie. Nothing solved yet.

Joel May bulged the twine behind Stu Henderson halfway through period two, but the Italians suddenly caught fire and scored three unanswered goals (Tony Deluca, Dave Woodside, and Jim Maguire) to bust open a 4-2 lead after two periods.

Period three was also ALL Italy, adding three more with Robb, Woodside, and Maguire all picking up their second of the night while Stu Henderson stood on his head and blanked the Scots to end this one Italy 7, Scotland 2. The Italians did indeed walk the walk, led by Dave Woodside while Art Senkowski takes the honours for Team Scotland.

Italy POG Dave Woodside

Scotland POG Art Senkowski

Late Game – Slovenia vs Ireland

The late game featured an impressive looking Irish squad vs a Slovenian team looking to find its identity in the rough and tumble world of old geezer hockey.

Nieminen and Cioffi both looked sharp in period 1, but Nieminen was sharper for his Irish squad who went up 2-0 off the sticks of Brice Lewis and Steve Atchison.

The second period was an onslaught. An Irish feast. The Leprechauns scored FIVE UNANSWERED GOALS in period two ALL of the blade of Dave Vincelli. Ciro Napolitano got one back late, but it was 7-1 after two periods. OUCH.

The Irish laid back in period three and Jeff Boulton’s goal for Slovenia was the only ink on the scoresheet until this one ends Ireland 7, Slovenia 2. This win puts the Irish in sole possession of first place as they start to emerge as an early favorite in this 2026-27 campaign.

Ireland’s POG goes to their keeper Tomi Nieminen, while Tony Cioffi gets the honours for Slovenia. Two goalies in a goalie’s duel. Nieminen prevails on this night. Cioffi goes home and practices his butterfly because there’s always a next time.

Ireland POG Tomi Nieminen

Slovenia POG Tony Cioffi