Early Game – #2 Slovenia vs #3 Ireland

The early match featured a Slovenian squad trying to catch up with 1st place Italy against an Irish squad who could move up to 2nd place with a win.

Slovenian sniper Paul Riopelle ricocheted one off the post for the lone 1st period goal. Ireland’s Tim Randa tied it up six minutes into the second period but Slovenian sponsor Dave Dodic put his team ahead 2-1 a minute later. Some confusion around this goal as the refs huddled afterward to figure out what comes first, the whistle or the goal, but they pointed to centre ice and it was 2-1.

Dave Skingley looped in a long one from the point a minute later to put the Slovenians up 3-1 before Dave Dodic notched his second of the game making it 4-1 after two.

Slovenia circled the wagons after that only letting in one late goal on a nifty move by Peter Freeman, assisted by brother Tim Freeman and father Bruce Freeman. And that’s how this one ended. 4-2 Slovenia. Both goalies were strong in this one but Irish backstop Stuart Henderson saw more rubber than the Indy 500 track on race day. Ireland stays in 3rd while Slovenia waits for the late game to see if they are the new league leader.

Players of the game go to Ireland’s Chris Deware for playing hurt and Slovenia’s Andy de Man with a sweet helper on Slovenia’s fourth to ice the game.

Late Game – #1 Italy vs #5 Scotland

The late show featured the top and bottom teams in the standings, the Italians with more than double the wins of Scotland. Missing some key players, the Scots would have to bear down to make a show against the surging Sicilians.

Italy’s Dave Vincelli started the scoring seven minutes in but rookie sensation Steve Boyle bulged the twine to draw the Scots even. Veteran John Annan made it 2-1 Italy after one period.

Annan picked up his second goal seven minutes into the second period but Boyle struck again to make it 3-2 for Italy, the never-say-die Scots hanging around. John Levac scored unassisted a minute later to put Italy up by two and then Annan picked up his hat-trick to make it 5-2 Italy. Youngblood Brad Stohl brought the Scots back within two heading into the third.

Five minutes in another Italian goal by John Annan, his FOURTH of the night. But Scotland’s Joe Peacock responded, keeping his team within two goals late in the game.

But the Italians came back with a goal from Vincelli and another from — what?? — John Annan with his FIFTH GOAL OF THE GAME!!!

Scotland’s Jim Maguire finished the scoring late in the 3rd but Italy takes this one 8-5. Or if John Annan gets a flat tire on the way to Port Credit, Scotland wins 5-3. Italy plays Ireland next Friday so look for the Dubliners to do a Nancy Kerrigan on Annan this week. It’s all business John, you understand.

Players of the game go to Steve Boyle with two goals (Rispoli the goalie says he got 3). And Italy’s player of the game goes to, who else, #19 in your program, #1 in your hearts, John Annan.