Early Game – Scotland vs Ireland

It was the Battle of the North Channel in the early match between the Irish Republic and the Kilts of Kilmarnock. Scotland has been on a roll lately, and the Irish come into this one without some key players.

But it was the Irish who drew first blood on a pass from Patty Sharp to Jeff Boulton who converted to make it 1-0 for the Irish? Could this be the start of an Irish rout?

It could not. That would be Ireland’s final goal of the evening as Stingy Stu Henderson stacked the pads for the rest of the game.

Scotland would go onto to space out EIGHT unanswered goals across three periods to conclude matters at a score of 8-1 for the bagpipers. Tim Randa would snipe FOUR goals while Matt Goddard picked up a pair for himself. Singles for Mike Paciuc and John Annan and that was all she wrote.

Scotland POG goes to the intrepid Rich the Commish Chalovich who led the charge for the Scottish warriors. Billy Dawe wears the shamrock for the leprechauns who are still in search of their pot of gold this season.

Late Game – Italy vs Portugal

Italy faced Portugal in the second contest, Italy looking to grab a share of second place while Portugal looking to hold its own.

Tony Cioffi in net for Portugal, looking solid all season, but up against last year’s Conn Smythe Winner, Arty the Party Senkowski.

Cioffi shut out the Italians in the first frame while Portugal went up 2-0 off goals from Murray Russell and Mike Russo.

Italy stormed back to tie the game 2-2 in frame two off goals from Steve Davis and Ciro Napolitano, but Italy restored their 2-goal lead late in the period with goals from Al Robb and Russo for his second. 4-2 for Portugal heading into the third.

Both goalies stood on their heads until the final 7 minutes which featured a flurry of goals — three from Portugal by Scotty “The Puck Stops Here” McCallum, Robin Flumerfelt, and Al Robb for his second of the evening. In response, Italy mustered a single by Johnny Fasulo ending this one Portugal 7, Italy 3.

This game was much closer than it looked on paper. Tony Cioffi was the difference on this night, stopping dozens of quality scoring chances to deliver a Portuguese victory. Fred Raidl raced around the ice all night on offence and defence, setting an example for his squad. And so the POG is his.

Honourable mention goes to Portugal Sponsor Gary “Dad” Julius who kept his troops nourished after the game with some Portuguese Pop Corn!~