Early Game – Italy vs Portugal

Portugal enters this game with a perfect 1-0 record against a 1-1 Italy team. Winner will take at least a share of first place.

Paul Harty broke the ice for Italy midway through the first but Chris Johnson answered for the Lisbonites a few minutes later to tie the game at 1. Robin Flumerfelt put Italy ahead 2-1 to end the first period.

Portugal veteran John Annan tied things up early in the second period but the Roman squad came alive with three unanswered goals by John Levac, Robin Flumerfelt, and Dave Wodar to put Italy up 5-2 after two periods.

Stalwart D-man Bryon Wright got Portugal within 2 early in the final frame but Italy answered again with goals from Wodar and Levac. Italy wins 7-3 but Portugal showing a lot of heart without their best player Leo Brideau.

Italy Player of the Game goes to Joel May with a strong performance filling in on defence (thanks to Paul Harty for also playing D for part of the game). League veteran Jay Cummings wears the chicken hat with pride for Team Portugal.

Late Game – Scotland vs Ireland

It was Guinness vs MacInnes in the battle of the North Channel, both teams looking to grab a piece of first place with a win.

The Dubliners looked very strong last week against Italy with last year’s MVP Paul Riopelle bulging the twine five times, four of those assisted by Scott Wilson. Wilson was absent this week, however, with some rumours that league disciplinarian Scott McCallum pulled a Jeff Gilooly on him (Google it).

Ireland came out strong again with two goals in 21 seconds by…Paul Riopelle. But the Bravehearts wouldn’t lie down and tied it up by the end of the period with two goals from sniper Chris Deware.

And that is when Scottish goalie Stewart Henderson closed the door on Riopelle & Company, absolutely blanking Ireland for two straight periods while his teammates added 2 more in the second (rookie Peter McKay and Jeff Boulton) and 3 more in the third (Jeff Boulton, Chris Deware and Dave Vincelli) to end this one Scotland 7, Ireland 2.

Ireland putting in a strong effort despite only 8 players showing up (plus Neil Wilson subbing from Italy). Scotland showcasing their offensive might in this one.

Ireland Player of the Game goes to the indefatigable Patty McCormick while Scotland Rookie Peter McKay plays the pipes for Scotland.

After three weeks of play we have Italy in first place by a single win with all other squads tied for second. Half of the games have been decided by a single goal. Some nice early signs of league parity.

Next week’s games feature Slovenia vs Scotland while Ireland plays the late show against Portugal. Italy takes the week off.