Early Game – #1 Slovenia versus #2 Italy

The early game featured a Slovenian squad looking to hold on to 1st place against an Italian squad behind them by only one point. Winner of this one gets their own seat at the top of the standings.

Italy came out firing in the first period, going up 2-0 on goals from Dave Vincelli and Steve Atchison before Slovenia’s Chris Johnson made it 2-1 going into the second.

Both goalies stood on their heads in the second period, frustrating shooters from both squads, but it was all Italy in the final frame with goals from John Levac and Dave Vincelli to close this one out 4-1 for the Romans. Italian D-man Steve Atchison with the GWG!

Slovenia Slivovitz Player of the Game goes to Rob McLaughlin while the Garrison from the Gulf of Bothnia, Tomi Niemenen, takes POG for the Italians.

Early Game – #4 Scotland versus #4 Portugal

This one was the battle of the basement with both squads’ records not reflecting their playoff potential. Both looking to give up their share of last place and move up the standings. This one turned out to be a dandy.

It was a tight-checking game until 6 minutes left in the first when reliable Scottish lamplighter Patty Sharp scored to make it 1-0. But Portugal winger Dave Wodar put the biscuit in the basket with only 5 seconds left to make it 1-1 after one.

Portugal blanked the Scots in the second period, spacing out two goals of their own from Dave Woodside and Mike Russo to go up 3-1 going into the third.

But this one was far from over. Sharp got his second of the night with 9 minutes to go and then rookie Steve Boyle, proving himself to be a clutch scorer recently, tied it at 3 goals a piece with 2 minutes left.

But Portugal’s Mike Russo was determined to dig his team out of last place and bulged the twine with half a minute to go — final score: Portugal 4, Scotland 3.

Scotland’s Player of the Game was Rispoli the Goalie while Mike Russo took the honours for Portugal, potting the tying and winning goals in this key matchup.

Honourable mention to lifelong pals Steve Sparrow and rookie Acheson Thomas who each had helpers in this one.