Early Game – #3 Ireland vs #5 Scotland

British hockey at its finest in the early show. Jim Maguire led off the scoring, answered quickly by Tim Randa to finish the first period 1-1.

Scotland went ahead 3-2 after the second period off goals from Maguire and Alan Robb to counter a single from Ireland’s Chris Deware.

Deware tied it 3-3 in the third period but Steve Boyle put the Scots ahead again with 8 minutes left, making a bid for Scotland’s first win of the new year. But Ireland’s Agostino Falcone rifled a beauty off the post from his point position to tie it at 4 goals a piece and that’s how this one ended.

Scotland POG goes to Jodie Young while Aggie Falcone picked up POG Honours for the Irish.

Late Game – #2 Italy vs #4 Portugal

Italy looked to extend its 2-game win streak against a 4th place Portugal squad looking for its first win of the year. League stalwart Leo Brideau broke the ice 13 minutes into the 1st period but the Portuguese answered with a quick pair from Jeff Boulton and Robin Chantaj to lead 2-1 after one.

Italy blanked the Portuguese in the second frame while picking up goals from John Levac and Marcelo DiLuzio to go ahead 3-2 after two periods.

A HUUUUGE third period in this one. No less than FIVE goals from Italy (Marcello DiLuzio, John Levac, Bryon Wright, Dave Vincelli and Eric Fletcher) while Portugal could only muster two (Dave Wodar and Greg Platt). Another impressive 8-4 win by the Italians as they prepare for their next game in two weeks against the 1st place Slovenians.

Eric Fletcher takes Player of the Game Honours for Italy while GM Gary Julius wears the cock-hat for Portugal.