Early Game – Ireland vs Italy

Italy goes into this game with two losses but still eligible for the GOLD game if the chips fall their way, starting with a win against the Irish juggernaut, undefeated in 11 straight games. Ireland on the other hand looking to shore up their hopes of appearing in the big game next Sunday.

Ireland broke the ice early with a goal from their sniper Paul Riopelle. Tim Randa added another to make it 2-0 with 6 minutes to go but Robin Flumerfelt re-directed a Dave Skingley shot-pass with 6 seconds left in the period to narrow Ireland’s lead to a goal. 2-1 for Ireland after one.

That would turn out to be Ireland backstop Tony Cioffi’s only blemish on the evening as he absolutely stood on his head from that point on, completely blanking the Italians despite seeing a fair bit of rubber. And while Cioffi protected Ireland’s net, his teammates went to work. League veteran Neil Kelly added two goals in a 3-minute span and Riopelle grabbed his second to make it 5-1 after two periods.

Italy continued to pressure but Cioffi turned away every chance. Tim Freeman would add one more in the dying minutes and that’s how this one ended. 6-1 for Ireland who is now 11-0-1 in their last 12 games.

Both goalies earn POG honours in this one. Nieminen turned away numerous shots, including a few Riopelle cannons, but the Irish forwards were more than a handful on this day. Cioffi takes the honours for Ireland with a stellar performance but HONOURABLE MENTION goes to Neil Kelly who picks up a Gordie Howe Hat-Trick with two goals, an assist and a penalty.

Late Game – Slovenia vs Portugal

The late game had all kinds of implications with both teams in the running for the Gold game next Sunday. Portugal beat Slovenia twice during the regular season and goes into this one knowing they can beat any team if they are gelling (as Scotland found out in Round 1).

The first period was all Slovenia, however, with goals from Rick Cecchetto and Stephen Davis. 2-0 for Slovenia after one period.

Both goalies got down to it in period #2 with the only goal coming off the stick of Rick Cecchetto, his second of the night, to make it 3-0 for Slovenia after two periods. The Portuguese scratching their heads and trying to solve Slovenian netminder Arty Senkowski who was perfect over the first two periods.

Early in the third period Davis notched his second of the night to make it Davis and Cecchetto 4, Portugal 0, as the Lisbonite fans began to slouch in their seats. But the Portuguese squad showed its character and Chris Johnson beat Senkowski with eight minutes to go in the game followed less than a minute later by D-Man Jay Cummings to make it 4-2 with seven minutes to go. Lots of time for some drama.

But Arty and his Slovenian defence locked down and turned away every Portuguese chance. Final score 4-2 for Slovenia.

Rick Cecchetto takes the honours for Slovenia while Rich “Commish” Chalovich wears the chicken hat for Portugal.