OK a couple of big games on a rare Monday night in the Spring for the PCOHL playoffs. Early game between #1 seed Scotland and #3 seed Portugal as both teams sat at 0 and 2 and out of the Gold game possibility. Winner of this one would lock into the Kiss Your Sister Game. 2-1 for the Scots after 1 period. 2-1 for the Portuguese in the 2nd timing this one up at 3’s with a period to go. Scotland scores early to take a 4-3 lead. 2 late penalties for the Portuguese gave the Scots a 2 man advantage and they score twice in the last 90 ticks to win this tilt 6-3. Scotland went 2-2 on the PP and Portugal was 0-1. Portugal got goals from Chris Johnson, Mike Russo and Alan Robb. Scotland got a hat trick from Mr. Playoffs Timmy Randa, 2 goals from Patty Sharp and a single from Steve Sparrow. Portugals Player fo the Game went to their birthday boy who turned 67 Gerry Boudens. The plunger finally made it out to the dressing room.

And for Scotland they had 2 winners for this game. Neil Kelly and Andy de Man. Notice Andy’s hand???? And check out Nweisser’s reaction of the 2 teammates bonding, not that there is anything wrong with that at all.

Late game had a huge impact on both teams. #4 seed Slovenia vs #5 seed red hot Ireland. Slovenia’s last game in the playoff round robin games needed a tie or win to lock a spot in the Gold game. Ireland needed a win to keep their hopes alive, a loss could send them right out of the playoffs. You could feel the tension on both sides of the pond. All Easter Europe in the 1st as Slovenia out scores the Irish 3-1 in the 1st. Ireland settle down in the 2nd and score the lone goal making it a 3-2 Slovenia lead after 2. Ireland tie it up early in the 3rd and then score 2 goals in less than a minute mid way taking a 5-3 lead with 8 minutes to go. Slovenia get one back a minute later making it a 1 goal game. The Irish end this one with a late goal and winning 6-4. Heck of a battle. Ireland went 1-2 on the PP and Slovenia was 0-0. Slovenia got 2 gaols from Leo Brideau, singles from Chris Deware and Tony Cipparrone. Ireland got 2 goals from Dave Skingley and singles from Paul Riopelle, Dave Vincelli, Brad Stoll and Dan Barrett. Players of the Game for the Slovenians went to Mike Paciuc with 3 helpers and for the Irish they selected Dave Woodside.

So with one more week of round robin games here is what we know. Portugal has officially been eliminated and are our Schlepp Champions!!!!! But can be a major spoiler in their last game. Scotland has locked one of the key spots in the Kiss Your Sister game. Italy, Slovenia and Ireland all still have an opportunity to play for Gold, 2 will and 1 will face off against Scotland. Slovenia is off the last week and aren looking to the Portuguese fro some help as if they can beat Ireland the last game Slovenia goes for Gold and Ireland will go for Bronze. If Ireland ties or beats Portugal Ireland plays for Gold. Italy will meet Scotland in the last game and they also can secure Gold with a tie or a win vs Scotland. An Italy loss and Ireland tie will make it a 3 way tie and we would go to +/-. Depending on how much Italy could lose by they and Ireland look to be in good shape on that front. So exciting. Friendly reminder Applications and $50 deposits are due no later than April 30 if you want to secure a spot for next season. If you know you will not be returning please let us know as soon as you can. Cheers see you all on the ice boys!