Early Game – Slovenia vs Ireland

As we start the FIFTH and FINAL ROUND of the regular season, the Red Hot Leprechauns take their 5-game winning streak into the early game against 3rd place Slovenia as both teams looking to get into playoff form.

Slovenia minus a couple of players definitely gets off to a slow start in this one. Ireland, on the other hand, comes alive in the first period with FIVE GOALS in 10 minutes. Veteran Pat McCormick starts off the scoring halfway through the first period and Riopelle finishes the period with a goal but it was Tim Randa with a NATURAL HAT-TRICK between those two goals that gave the Irish a 5-0 lead after one period.

Ireland made it 7-0 in the second period off a pair of goals from Joe Peacock, But Mike Paciuc busted Cioffi’s hat-trick before the period ended. Fun fact: “Paciuc” is “Peacock” in Slovenian. Totally made that up.

A quiet third period with Riopelle grabbing his second of the game. Ireland takes this one 8-1 over Slovenia who have only one win since Christmas. They’ll play Portugal next week, both teams looking for a turnaround.

Slovenia’s POG goes to Slovenian Warrior Mike Paciuc while Joe Peacock is Ireland’s hero. Did I mention “Paciuc” is Slovenian for “Peacock”?

Late Game – Scotland vs Italy

The late game featured 2nd place Scotland looking to hold ground against the Italians who are on a 2-game winning streak.

Tony Cioffi subbing in for a missing Tomi Nieminen and looking sharp after letting in only one goal in the early game. Stewart Henderson in the Scottish net also showing why he is the current Vezina favourite with a 4.00 GAA, the league’s best. Both goalies stoning their opponents until a goal from Vincelli in the dying seconds of period 1 to make it 1-0 for Scotland after one period.

Back and forth action in the second until Dave “No shot is a bad shot” Vincelli scores by shooting at Cioffi’s head from behind the net — the referees clarifying that this is a good goal if it goes directly in and not to another player. And did I mention “Paciuc” is “Peacock” in Slovenian.

D-man Brad Stoll adds a third Scottish goal with four minutes left in the second period, this one starting to run away from the Romans, down 3-0 as the second period waned, but WAIT, a sign of life. With 16 seconds left in the period, Greg Platt makes a nifty move on Henderson and brings Italy within 2 goals. Scotland 3, Italy 1, after two periods.

Both goalies outstanding for most of the final period until, with five minutes left, smooth-skating D-man Alan Robb drifts one by Henderson to bring the Italians within a goal!

More tight hockey until the Italians PULL THEIR GOALIE with under two minutes to go. Some good cycling and then Dave Wodar ices Scotland’s dreams of a win as he TIES IT UP in the dying seconds!!

And that’s how this one would end. Italy 3, Scotland 3.

Slovenian Player of the Game goes to Dave Vincelli, while Alan Robb spins the disc for Italy.