Early Game – Slovenia vs Portugal

After last week it’s Ireland way out in first place with 8 points and everyone else tied for second with 4. Which means stiff competition every week, starting with this classic rivalry between Eastern and Western European hockey powerhouses…sort of.

Lots of back and forth action in the first period. Paul Riopelle broke the ice for Slovenia five minutes in but Portugal’s Steve Davis answered. Jeff Boulton put the Slavs up 2-1, but Davis tied it up again to end the period 2-2.

This one was looking like a tight affair, but Portugal blew it open in period two with three unanswered goals. First, elder statesman Bruce Freeman, then journeyman Rob Mclaughlin, and finally, Steve Davis picking up the hat-trick to put Portugal up 5-2 after two periods.

Jeff Boulton and Davis traded goals in the third, but it was really period two that decided this one. Portugal 6, Slovenia 3.

Steve Boyle was the fan favorite for Slovenia while Enzo Ianno enjoys a break on the Praia da Marinha, courtesy of Portugal’s front office after his POG performance.

Slovenia POG Steve Boyle

Portugal POG Enzo Ianno

Late Game – Italy vs Ireland

The late cast Team Italy against the soaring first place Irish. Italy goes into this game a definite underdog, but anything can happen in PCOHL hockey.

Vezina Trophy winners Nieminen and Henderson kept the scoresheet pristine for most of period one, but with six minutes left the floodgates opened. Brad Stoll scored for Ireland followed quickly by Al Robb’s tying goal for the Italians. Dave Wodar put the Italians up 2-1 with a minute to go but Joe Peacock slipped one in the dying seconds to make it a 2-2 tie after two periods.

Henderson won this epic goalie battle in period two, absolutely BLANKING the vaunted Irish offence, while Al Robb quietly picked up two more for the hat-trick and a 4-2 Italy lead going into the third period.

A flurry of goals mid-period did nothing to change this one — Vincelli and Deware for Ireland and Brideau and Rukavina for Italy, all in TWO MINUTES, but still producing a 2-point Italy lead as the game-clock ticked down. One more insurance marker for Brideau, and the upset was complete. First place Ireland falls to Italy 7-4.

Alan Robb was everywhere for Italy while Brian “Spinner” Spence gets Irish Honours for his stalwart work on D with a coupla apples to boot.

Italy POG Alan Robb

Ireland POG Brian Spence