It was a tight race going into the fourth week. With the first place Italians resting and all other teams tied for 2nd place only 2 points behind, both games were battles for a share of first place in the standings.

Early Game – Scotland v Slovenia

Scotland’s version of Boston’s famous #4, defenceman Brad Stoll started off the scoring with an unassisted goal early in the first. Teammate Dave Vincelli made it 2-0 later in the period and Tony Thomas broke Slovenian hearts with seconds to go in the first to make it 3-0 Scotland after one.

In frame two Art Senkowski tried to give his squad a chance by turning away all shots until rookie Peter McKay bulged the twine midway through the period. Dave Woodside made it 5-0 Scotland to end the second period, this one “goin ugly early” if y’knowmsayin.

Rookie Ciro Napolitano broke Stewart Henderson’s shutout midway through the period but Jeff Boulton answered with two minutes to go. Final score, Scotland 6, Slovenia 1.

Arty Senkowski showing off the Slovenian colours earns Player of the Game for the lads from Ljubljana.

While Scotland’s Player of the Game goes to Jeff Boulton. Peace mannnn.

Late Game – Ireland v Portugal

The late game featured two other teams hoping to get into first place. The feisty Irish lead the league in PiM’s, adding 4 more on this night with tripping and high-sticking minors. Classic Irish, am I right?

The stars of the first period were absolutely, positively, the backstops Tony Cioffi and Frank Rispoli, turning away every single chance in the first period.

0-0 to start the second frame. Portugal rookie Bob King breaks the ice early followed by a pair of unanswered goals from the Snnnnnnnnniper of Sintra, Jody Young. Rocket Richard Chalovich made it 4-0 for the Lisbonites with 7 minutes to go in the period, the boys passing around the celebratory pastel de nata on the bench.

But they don’t call them the Fightin Irish for nuthin. Irish hitman Paul Riopelle bagged his eighth goal of the campaign with two minutes to go in the second followed by another by fabulous Joe Peacock to cut the Portuguese lead in half.

4-2 going into the final frame. No goals until eight minutes in when Riopelle does what Riopelle does best, making this a 1-goal game midway through the third. Furious action ensued, the leprechauns determined to tie this one up. But heartbreaker Eric Fletcher seals this one for the Portuguese with 7 minutes on the clock, Rispoli the Goalie holding fast for a Portugal win, 5-3 over the Irish.

Portugal’s Player of the Game goes to difference-maker Jody Young.

Irish Player of the Game goes to fabulous Joe Peacock.

The first round comes to an end next week when Scotland and Portugal lock horns for the first time while first place Italy takes on the Slovenians in the late show. Ireland gets a well-deserved rest.