(BV leads series 2-0)
Game 1: Chiefs 2 - Nitehawks 4
Game 2: Chiefs 1 - Nitehawks 7
Well, who saw this coming?...we did of course!! After a somewhat slow game 1, the Nitehawks gave the Chiefs something to think about in game 2.
Game 1:
After being idle-ish for the better part of a week, it was evident that both teams had some rust to work out. It took until the 16 minute mark of the first period to finally get a goal from either team. Craig Martin was the recipient of a play that was a thing of beauty. Chris Derochie and Dallas Calvin gained the offensive zone on the power play with Martin in tow. It happened so fast that every one was in awe as Derochie passed to Calvin who one-timed to Martin who, in turn, one-timed it into the back of the net. Both teams had a goal disallowed and BV took that lead into the intermission with spirits high. Second period proved to be faster and more exciting. Kelowna started the frame on the power play and they took no time to make it count. Dane Rupert tipped a TJ Dumonceaux shot from literally 2 feet out, or less, and it went up...FAST slipping in just under the bar. So, tied 1-1, the two teams played catch with the puck for a while until the 7 minute mark when the CCR line kicked in to retake the lead on a goal by Ryan Edwards. Merely :59 later, Tyler Collins buried a Justin Niminiken feed to make it 3-1 BV before the period is 9 minutes old. With :21 left in the period, Rupert gets his 2nd of the game on an absolutely perfect shot that beat Vlanich high glove and then lodged in the net just under the bar. Celebrations were delayed as the ref hadnt made a call until he finally caught up and found the puck. BV took the 3-2 lead into the 3rd that was nothing short of dull. As I said, they needed to grind off some rust and it was clear the first 2 periods took a lot out of both sides as things slowed way down. It wasnt until the last minute with the Kelowna net empty before we finally decided things as Derochie backhanded a clearing pass and aimed just right as it hit the back of the Chiefs net to give BV the 4-2 win and take a 1-0 series advantage.
In his very first shift of the game, Dallas Calvin suffered an injury that lit his fire for the remainder of the game. He caught his hand on of the stanchions and dislocated a finger. If you are the least bit squeemish, I dont recommend you look, but you can view the carnage here.
Game Stars:
BV - Dallas Calvin - 2A
BV - Mike Vlanich - 31/33
KC - Tyler O'Donnell - 30/33
Game 2:
Kelowna came out with a lot more jump for game 2, but so did the Nitehawks. BV held pressure for the first 5 mins until a lost face-off in the Hawks zone lead to Kelowna opening the scoring on a point shot from Tre Mason that beat a very screened Zach Perehudoff. It would turn out to be the only rubber to see the Nitehawks net as BV rattled off 7 unanswered, starting with Dallas Calvin, who with a tonne of patience, out-waited the statue of David before dishing off to Tyler Collins who had nothing but cage to shoot at. Minutes later, 6 to be exact, Calvin again goes to work. This time on the power play, and with a rocket that Sami Salo would give the ol' smiling nod to, gives the Nitehawks the lead they wouldn't relinquish. Nick Perez would get one of his own before the period ended and BV took the 3-1 lead into the second.
Despite the speed of Kelowna, they couldnt manage to crack the Hawks defense. On the rare occasion that they managed to get to the net, Perehudoff was there to stymy them. Just past the mid point of the period, Perez would get his 2nd of the game on the power play and with 6:12 remaining, Jake Lucchini would step out of the box to accept a Ryan Edwards pass and deked out Wilkinson for a 5-1 BV lead after 2. ODonnell was replaced by Wilkinson to start the second, but oddly the change went unnoticed by myself until partway through the 3rd....ooops.
The third was a more even period with BV falling into a defensive position. That didnt stop Calvin. With fire still burning from the owee the night before, he was a dominant figure throughout the majority of the game but really lit it up in the third scoring 2 more goals and making it look...well... easy! BV wins it in a wash, 7-1.
Game Stars:
BV - Dallas Calvin - 3G 2A
BV - Jake Lucchini - 1G 1A
BV - Zach Perehudoff - 24/25
With the hat-trick and 2 assists, Dallas Calvin was once again the prominant figure on the KIJHL websites "Who's Hot in the KI" section and the games first star for the second game in a row. The line of Martin, Derochie , and Edwards (CCR) have combined for 10 points in the 2 games so far. While they have not been the forefront attention getters, they are doing what they have been doing all year, and that's putting points on the board!
I actually have nothing bad to say about either ref so far, as Dasti did his job in game 1 even though that rarely called "closing hand on the puck" in the last minute against BV was a bit ridiculous even if it was a valid penalty. Game 2 say Maniago and while we all cringe, I was impressed with the fact that nothing was called that really shouldnt have been. Ya, he missed a bunch against BV, but the one ref system doesnt allow them to see all the ice all the time. No, I am not sucking up...lol... I call it as I see it, and I saw a decent game.
Games 3 and 4 are in Kelowna on Saturday and Sunday. I'm torn between a sweep and one final game here so I get to see the boys win it. I wont be able to travel due to work commitments so will be wholly dependent on updates from those that ARE going!! Good luck boys, bring home that banner!!
14 wins down, only 2 to go......lets book that trip to CTC 2012!!!
Friday 30 March 2012
Sunday 25 March 2012
Kootenay Conference Final: Game 5
(BV wins series 4-1)
Game 1: Ghostriders 2 - Nitehawks 5
Game 2: Ghostriders 6 - Nitehawks 3
Game 3: Nitehawks 4 - Ghostriders 2
Game 4: Nitehawks 2 - Ghostriders 0
Game 5: Ghostriders 2 - Nitehawks 6
After escaping from Fernie with 2 wins on the road due to stellar goaltending from both Zach Perehudoff in game 3, and his first career KIJHL playoff shutout from Mike Vlanich in game 4, the Nitehawks were at home for game 5 with the chance to move off to the league final with a win.
The almost non-existent CCR line finally got a tally at the midpoint of the first period to open the scoring as Martin nets a ppg to give BV the much needed 1-0 lead. It was short lived as Connor McLaughlin made good on the second consecutive shorthanded breakaway given up by BV just minutes later. Derek Lashuk would re-assert that lead on the same power play with a rocket just :08 after Fernie tied it. Hard work and a crushing fore-check lead to a bang-bang play and Calvin buried it to give BV the a 3-1 lead after 1.
The second period was almost a flip-flop of the first as Fernie came out with passion and determination to not let things get away from them. The Nitehawk defense was the difference tonight and it took until 10:44 before Fernie finally snuck (and i mean SNUCK) the puck past Zach. Brendan Burge drove the net and literaly found a hole just big enough to stuff the puck in between Perehudoff and the post to pull Fernie to within 1 and keep them close. Completely against the flow of play, Calvin, with unbelievable patience, waits out Abdallah and rips it past his out-stretched glove to once again give BV the 2-goal lead and chases Abdallah from the net. Less than a minute later, Justin Niminiken welcomes Solecki to the game and stretches that lead to 3 and BV takes a 5-2 lead into the 3rd period despite being outplayed and out-shot in the 2nd.
In the last 20 minutes of their season, Fernie left it all out on the ice. BV's defense once again was the story blocking untold amounts of shots and keeping the Rider forwards on the outsides when they exerted pressure in the Hawks zone. Again, it was a hard grinding period that was scoreless until Max Flanagan and AP Jake Lucchini once again created absolute havoc in the Riders end with a grueling fore-check that created a juicy turn-over and this time Josh Peters was the recipient who made no mistake to nail the coffin shut on the Ghostriders season. Perehudoff was spectacular in net stopping all 11 shots as BV breezed off to 6-2 win.
Game Stars:
BV - Zach Perehudoff - 30/32 saves
BV - Dallas Calvin - 2G
BV - Max Flanagan - 1A
This win really belongs to the grinders. Max Flanagan and speedster AP Lucchini caused no end of fits for Rider defense, while Johnson, Baines, and Schapansky all kept the forwards looking back with crushing hits and open ice muscle. Since game 1 of the series, the all-star line of Craig Martin, Chris Derochie, and Ryan Edwards (#CCR) have combined for a total of 1 goal and 7 assists over the final 4 games. With a power outage from the top line like that, one would have to be a bit concerned. Fortunately, the other three lines have stepped up and picked up the slack. Given the depth of talent, and the distinct possibility that the top line WILL kick back into gear, the Kelowna Chiefs have everything to fear going into the KIJHL League Final. Sure, Kelowna has 2 of the top 5 playoff scorers this season, but so did Fernie, and look where that got them.
At the beginning of the play-offs, I had heard mixed feelings regarding the addition of Jake Lucchini to the line-up. I, myself, was quite excited to see him with the opportunity but questioned the timing. Sure he is fast, but he was being pushed around like the runt at the feeding trough. His early play looked weak and with-out passion, but as the play-offs progressed, he picked up that passion and started to push back! His fight and determination in game 5 was epic and directly lead to 2 goals. Although he sorely needs to bulk up a bit to remain a huge force, he is young and has that time to do so.
Now, on to 'other' matters....officiating. Ask anyone sitting near me during this game, I was utterly confused as to what was going on. Read the game sheet yourself for the official in question. Sure, the calls were weirdly slanted in BV's direction, but that doesnt make it right! I have said all alone that I call it as I see it, and I saw garbage. Several calls were made FOR BV that should have gone against them. It actually gave me a chance to see what the rest of the league has been enjoying all year, and I still dont like it!! I dont care if we benefit or suffer from incompetence, its still a travesty either way. Bottom line I guess, BV dealt with it and persevered all season, that gives them the edge in my mind regardless of the level of officiating in the upcoming games.
Congratulations to the Beaver Valley Nitehawks on their first Conference banner since 2006!!!
Next up - Kelowna!! Games 1 and 2 are here in the BVA on March 28th and 29th at 7pm both nights. Lets pack the barn and cheer on our Nitehawks as they fly off to a League title.
3 down - 1 to go
Game 1: Ghostriders 2 - Nitehawks 5
Game 2: Ghostriders 6 - Nitehawks 3
Game 3: Nitehawks 4 - Ghostriders 2
Game 4: Nitehawks 2 - Ghostriders 0
Game 5: Ghostriders 2 - Nitehawks 6
KOOTENAY CONFERENCE CHAMPS!!!!
After escaping from Fernie with 2 wins on the road due to stellar goaltending from both Zach Perehudoff in game 3, and his first career KIJHL playoff shutout from Mike Vlanich in game 4, the Nitehawks were at home for game 5 with the chance to move off to the league final with a win.
The almost non-existent CCR line finally got a tally at the midpoint of the first period to open the scoring as Martin nets a ppg to give BV the much needed 1-0 lead. It was short lived as Connor McLaughlin made good on the second consecutive shorthanded breakaway given up by BV just minutes later. Derek Lashuk would re-assert that lead on the same power play with a rocket just :08 after Fernie tied it. Hard work and a crushing fore-check lead to a bang-bang play and Calvin buried it to give BV the a 3-1 lead after 1.
The second period was almost a flip-flop of the first as Fernie came out with passion and determination to not let things get away from them. The Nitehawk defense was the difference tonight and it took until 10:44 before Fernie finally snuck (and i mean SNUCK) the puck past Zach. Brendan Burge drove the net and literaly found a hole just big enough to stuff the puck in between Perehudoff and the post to pull Fernie to within 1 and keep them close. Completely against the flow of play, Calvin, with unbelievable patience, waits out Abdallah and rips it past his out-stretched glove to once again give BV the 2-goal lead and chases Abdallah from the net. Less than a minute later, Justin Niminiken welcomes Solecki to the game and stretches that lead to 3 and BV takes a 5-2 lead into the 3rd period despite being outplayed and out-shot in the 2nd.
In the last 20 minutes of their season, Fernie left it all out on the ice. BV's defense once again was the story blocking untold amounts of shots and keeping the Rider forwards on the outsides when they exerted pressure in the Hawks zone. Again, it was a hard grinding period that was scoreless until Max Flanagan and AP Jake Lucchini once again created absolute havoc in the Riders end with a grueling fore-check that created a juicy turn-over and this time Josh Peters was the recipient who made no mistake to nail the coffin shut on the Ghostriders season. Perehudoff was spectacular in net stopping all 11 shots as BV breezed off to 6-2 win.
Game Stars:
BV - Zach Perehudoff - 30/32 saves
BV - Dallas Calvin - 2G
BV - Max Flanagan - 1A
This win really belongs to the grinders. Max Flanagan and speedster AP Lucchini caused no end of fits for Rider defense, while Johnson, Baines, and Schapansky all kept the forwards looking back with crushing hits and open ice muscle. Since game 1 of the series, the all-star line of Craig Martin, Chris Derochie, and Ryan Edwards (#CCR) have combined for a total of 1 goal and 7 assists over the final 4 games. With a power outage from the top line like that, one would have to be a bit concerned. Fortunately, the other three lines have stepped up and picked up the slack. Given the depth of talent, and the distinct possibility that the top line WILL kick back into gear, the Kelowna Chiefs have everything to fear going into the KIJHL League Final. Sure, Kelowna has 2 of the top 5 playoff scorers this season, but so did Fernie, and look where that got them.
At the beginning of the play-offs, I had heard mixed feelings regarding the addition of Jake Lucchini to the line-up. I, myself, was quite excited to see him with the opportunity but questioned the timing. Sure he is fast, but he was being pushed around like the runt at the feeding trough. His early play looked weak and with-out passion, but as the play-offs progressed, he picked up that passion and started to push back! His fight and determination in game 5 was epic and directly lead to 2 goals. Although he sorely needs to bulk up a bit to remain a huge force, he is young and has that time to do so.
Now, on to 'other' matters....officiating. Ask anyone sitting near me during this game, I was utterly confused as to what was going on. Read the game sheet yourself for the official in question. Sure, the calls were weirdly slanted in BV's direction, but that doesnt make it right! I have said all alone that I call it as I see it, and I saw garbage. Several calls were made FOR BV that should have gone against them. It actually gave me a chance to see what the rest of the league has been enjoying all year, and I still dont like it!! I dont care if we benefit or suffer from incompetence, its still a travesty either way. Bottom line I guess, BV dealt with it and persevered all season, that gives them the edge in my mind regardless of the level of officiating in the upcoming games.
Congratulations to the Beaver Valley Nitehawks on their first Conference banner since 2006!!!
Next up - Kelowna!! Games 1 and 2 are here in the BVA on March 28th and 29th at 7pm both nights. Lets pack the barn and cheer on our Nitehawks as they fly off to a League title.
3 down - 1 to go
Monday 19 March 2012
Kootenay Conference Final - Games 1 & 2
(series tied 1-1)
Game 1: Ghostriders 2 - Nitehawks 5
Game 2: Ghostriders 6 - Nitehawks 3
After watching an action packed exciting series like the Division final, so far this has been almost tedious. Neither team were out to play in game 1, but several lucky bounces and perhaps some distracted play by Solecki, allowed BV to jump out to a 5-0 lead before Fernie battled back to make it a 5-2 final. Game 2 saw BV with the same sloppy passing and general lack of urgency while the Ghostriders found their legs and outplayed the Hawks.
Game 1: With only one really potent shift that had dominant control through 20 minutes, it was truly surprising to see BV with a 2-0 lead on goals from Chris Derochie and Arie Postmus. Period 2 wasnt a whole lot better as BV was out-shot 14-9, but scored 3 goals on those 9 shots. A pair from Craig Martin and a solo bid from Mason Spear gave BV a highly misleading 5-0 lead before Connor McLaughlin finally poked one home on the power play to ruin the shut-out for Zach Perehudoff. Stefen Seel got the only goal of the third in the first minute and despite their efforts, were unable to pull any closer allowing BV to escape with the win.
Game Stars:
BV - Chris Derochie 1G 2A
BV - Craig Martin 2G 1A
FG - Connor McLaughlin 1G 1A
Game 2: To no-ones surprise, Fernie got their act together and finally started playing. For the second game in a row, BV looked like a tired, non-commited team. FG took advantage and opened the scoring 7 minutes in on a goal by Connor McLaughlin. Dallas Calvin answered on the power play with under 5 to go in period one to keep BV even. Fernie took the lead once again very shortly into the second on a great patience play by Brendan Burge only to have that lead evaporate on the ensuing face-off when Max Flanagan took just 8 seconds to tie it up. Then, the point shot started getting through. Marty Wicks potted two slappers in just over 3 minutes as Fernie edged out to a 4-2 lead before Dallas Calvin got one back for BV. Patrick Webb restored the two goal Fernie lead on another point shot before the period was out. Once again, BV was unable to score in the third period even though the out-shot FG 14-5 and McLaughlin nets his 2nd into the empty net to seal the 6-3 win for Fernie and a 1-1 tie in the series heading back to Fernie on Tues., and Wed. nights.
Game Stars:
FG - Marty Wicks 2G
FG - Connor McLaughlin 2G
FG - Brendan Burge 1G
This series could very well have been 2-0 for Fernie due to the play of BV on both nights. Had FG been playing in game one like they did in game two, then this is a different series. As it stands, BV has their work cut out for them to pick it up and play like they know how to and not like a team that looks indifferent. Fernie will not lay down and give this up easily.
The officiating in both games was not bad actually. Sure stuff got missed, some stuff was a bit suspect, but in all reality, neither team played well enough to have the officials be a mitigating factor in either game. And aside from a pre-game conversation with Maniago(see 'The Official Response'), he was surprisingly neutral.
Game 1: Ghostriders 2 - Nitehawks 5
Game 2: Ghostriders 6 - Nitehawks 3
After watching an action packed exciting series like the Division final, so far this has been almost tedious. Neither team were out to play in game 1, but several lucky bounces and perhaps some distracted play by Solecki, allowed BV to jump out to a 5-0 lead before Fernie battled back to make it a 5-2 final. Game 2 saw BV with the same sloppy passing and general lack of urgency while the Ghostriders found their legs and outplayed the Hawks.
Game 1: With only one really potent shift that had dominant control through 20 minutes, it was truly surprising to see BV with a 2-0 lead on goals from Chris Derochie and Arie Postmus. Period 2 wasnt a whole lot better as BV was out-shot 14-9, but scored 3 goals on those 9 shots. A pair from Craig Martin and a solo bid from Mason Spear gave BV a highly misleading 5-0 lead before Connor McLaughlin finally poked one home on the power play to ruin the shut-out for Zach Perehudoff. Stefen Seel got the only goal of the third in the first minute and despite their efforts, were unable to pull any closer allowing BV to escape with the win.
Game Stars:
BV - Chris Derochie 1G 2A
BV - Craig Martin 2G 1A
FG - Connor McLaughlin 1G 1A
Game 2: To no-ones surprise, Fernie got their act together and finally started playing. For the second game in a row, BV looked like a tired, non-commited team. FG took advantage and opened the scoring 7 minutes in on a goal by Connor McLaughlin. Dallas Calvin answered on the power play with under 5 to go in period one to keep BV even. Fernie took the lead once again very shortly into the second on a great patience play by Brendan Burge only to have that lead evaporate on the ensuing face-off when Max Flanagan took just 8 seconds to tie it up. Then, the point shot started getting through. Marty Wicks potted two slappers in just over 3 minutes as Fernie edged out to a 4-2 lead before Dallas Calvin got one back for BV. Patrick Webb restored the two goal Fernie lead on another point shot before the period was out. Once again, BV was unable to score in the third period even though the out-shot FG 14-5 and McLaughlin nets his 2nd into the empty net to seal the 6-3 win for Fernie and a 1-1 tie in the series heading back to Fernie on Tues., and Wed. nights.
Game Stars:
FG - Marty Wicks 2G
FG - Connor McLaughlin 2G
FG - Brendan Burge 1G
This series could very well have been 2-0 for Fernie due to the play of BV on both nights. Had FG been playing in game one like they did in game two, then this is a different series. As it stands, BV has their work cut out for them to pick it up and play like they know how to and not like a team that looks indifferent. Fernie will not lay down and give this up easily.
The officiating in both games was not bad actually. Sure stuff got missed, some stuff was a bit suspect, but in all reality, neither team played well enough to have the officials be a mitigating factor in either game. And aside from a pre-game conversation with Maniago(see 'The Official Response'), he was surprisingly neutral.
The "Official" Response
At the outset of this entire endeavour to express my own personal thoughts and feeling regarding the game of hockey, and the personalities within, I never anticipated it would have the impact that it has in such a short time. Some have enjoyed it, while others have had issues with it.
This post is going to explore a topic that has truly been the most controversial throughout the season, officiating. No, I will not be ranting and raving about the conduct and/or professionalism of our nightly zebras, but more so their ignorance to how they are viewed from outside the playing surface.
As you all most certainly know, I have said my piece quite freely on a nightly basis and am shocked that it took as long as it did for the event that transpired prior to game 2 of the Kootenay Conference Final.
Jim Maniago tracked me down in the stands and wished to discuss my recent blog post from game 7 of the NM Division Final. Apparently, unlike S. Peel and E. Dasti, Mr. Maniago has a thinner skin and seems more sensitive to having his precious hobby criticized. Literally, his first words to me were, "Do you have a problem with me?". Seriously Jim, I don't even KNOW you, so how could I have a problem with you? The calls you make or DON'T make on the ice has no reflection, in my mind, to the person you are. The question should instead have been, "Do you have a problem with my officiating?"...now THAT is a different story.
What honestly stunned me the most about the entire exchange, was the fact that he seemed genuinely upset that someone would think this way and figured I had no right to voice my opinion. WAKE UP JIM!! Freedom of speech allows me to as long as I'm not being defamatory in any way. And, despite what you think, saying that "I despise you" is in no way defamatory. Feel free to go through any of my posts for any personal attacks to you or any other official. In fact, during our conversation, you yourself crossed that line in calling me a "geek that hides behind a computer screen".
The on ice conduct of the officials is most certainly a public affair and thus should NOT be such a huge shock when opinions are also made public. During the following 2 intermissions, the chatter within the area I was sitting completely hinged on the crowds thoughts and feelings of the officiating of Maniago, both in the game and in general.
Lastly, I would like to apologize to Chris. The conversation should NOT have happened over top of you.
This post is going to explore a topic that has truly been the most controversial throughout the season, officiating. No, I will not be ranting and raving about the conduct and/or professionalism of our nightly zebras, but more so their ignorance to how they are viewed from outside the playing surface.
As you all most certainly know, I have said my piece quite freely on a nightly basis and am shocked that it took as long as it did for the event that transpired prior to game 2 of the Kootenay Conference Final.
Jim Maniago tracked me down in the stands and wished to discuss my recent blog post from game 7 of the NM Division Final. Apparently, unlike S. Peel and E. Dasti, Mr. Maniago has a thinner skin and seems more sensitive to having his precious hobby criticized. Literally, his first words to me were, "Do you have a problem with me?". Seriously Jim, I don't even KNOW you, so how could I have a problem with you? The calls you make or DON'T make on the ice has no reflection, in my mind, to the person you are. The question should instead have been, "Do you have a problem with my officiating?"...now THAT is a different story.
What honestly stunned me the most about the entire exchange, was the fact that he seemed genuinely upset that someone would think this way and figured I had no right to voice my opinion. WAKE UP JIM!! Freedom of speech allows me to as long as I'm not being defamatory in any way. And, despite what you think, saying that "I despise you" is in no way defamatory. Feel free to go through any of my posts for any personal attacks to you or any other official. In fact, during our conversation, you yourself crossed that line in calling me a "geek that hides behind a computer screen".
The on ice conduct of the officials is most certainly a public affair and thus should NOT be such a huge shock when opinions are also made public. During the following 2 intermissions, the chatter within the area I was sitting completely hinged on the crowds thoughts and feelings of the officiating of Maniago, both in the game and in general.
Lastly, I would like to apologize to Chris. The conversation should NOT have happened over top of you.
Friday 16 March 2012
NM Division Final Games 5, 6, and 7
(BV wins series 4-3)
Game 1: Rebels 1 - Nitehawks 4
Game 2: Rebels 4 - Nitehawks 5 - OT
Game 3: Nitehawks 2 - Rebels 3
Game 4: Nitehawks 5 - Rebels 2
Game 5: Rebels 4 - Nitehawks 3 (2OT)
Game 6: Nitehawks 4 - Rebels 6
Game 7: Rebels 3 - Nitehawks 5
I sincerely apologize for not getting to this in a more timely manner, but prior to game 5, I was asked to modify my way of thinking. So, instead of ranting and raving about the sheer ineptitude of our league officials, I decided to say nothing at all. Yes, I could have just given you all a generic, watered down version of my style, but where is the fun in that?? Instead, I held it all inside and transformed it into positive energy REGARDLESS of the verbal assault via twitter by the Rebel faithfuls. To those, I'd like to say grow up or join the healthy Rebel scratches as they huddle under blankets like little princesses in the bleachers. Wait, what am I saying, you will have to meet at the golf course, my bad :)
Onward and upward! Needless to say, I have a tonne of writing here so games 5 and 6 will be just a short recap as I build towards what we all enjoyed to no end!!
Game 5 (BVA)- Rebels opened the scoring 7:14 into the first on the PP as Scott Morisseau gets his first of 2. Dallas Calvin would tie it up for BV four minutes later on a PP of their own with a nice point shot that beat Gluck clean. The two teams would hold that tie until 6:12 of the 2nd period when Calvin lets go of another point shot that is neatly tipped by Jake Lucchini to give the Nitehawks the lead. That goal by Lucchini was his first career KIJHL playoff goal!! However, the lead would be short lived as Tyler Collins takes a slashing penalty half a minute after the goal and Castlegar would take a total of 13 seconds to bring the game back to even. Tyler Robinson gave CG the lead back two minutes later and a solo effort by Arie Postmus with 3 minutes left would once again put us back at even going into the third. BV had been dominant thus far outshooting CG 25-20 through 2 periods, but in the third they would open it up looking to put it away but Jordan Gluck stopped all 14 shots while his front 5 could only muster 6 on 'Big' Mike Vlanich. A ten minute OT would solve things and so to double OT we go. 2:09 into the second OT, the puck would find Arthur Andrews in front and he made no mistake high stick to win it for CG.
Game Stars: (unlike Castlegar, we DO pick when we lose)
CG - Arthur Andrews - GWG
CG - Jordan Gluck - 46/49 saves
BV - Dallas Calvin 1G 1A
Game 6 (CDCC)- Beaver Valley controlled the first 15 minutes of period one. The last 5 was a different story. The hero of game 5, Arthur Andrews, strikes again at 15:04 and at 15:47, Peter Mingus also gets into the action to give CG the 2-0 lead after 20 minutes. CG actually out-shot BV 14-10 in the opener, but were trodden badly come the 2nd as BV lit their fires and stormed into a 3-2 lead on goals by Chris Derochie(4:37), Craig Martin(10:39), and Mason Spear(13:35) while out-shooting CG 19-5 along the way. The fire would not stay lit in the third as CG re-asserted themselves with 3 goals of their own. Jones got the ball rolling even strength while Morisseau, and Walton would score on the power play just 24 seconds apart to blow the game open. Ryan Baines tried to rally with 7:25 remaining but Robinson shut the door with an empty netter in the final minute to give CG the 6-4 win in a game where the officiating was highly controversial.
Game Stars:
CG - Tyler Robinson 1G 2A
BV - Craig Martin 1G 2A
CG - Jordan Gluck 32/36 saves
Now, onto the main attraction!! Game 7 at home in BV!!
It has GOT to be the game of the century!! In a barn that was LOADED with people, it started with an absolutely brilliant save by 'BIG' Mike V!! Fifteen seconds into the tilt and CG gets a high quality scoring chance only to be thwarted by the pads of Vlanich. CG pushed and pushed HARD! It didnt take long for their efforts to bare fruit as Erik Alden would intercept a clearing pass and beat Vlanich just 2:50 in. Tyler Robinson would do roughly the same thing ten minutes later and suddenly the Rebels have another 2 goal lead after the first period and out-shooting BV 19-6.
Tension mounting but never losing doubt in the fight of the Nitehawks, given the comeback from two nights earlier, I knew they could do it again. It took until 8:11, but Nick Perez got his 2nd of the series and the Hawks were on the board in what was affectionately called the 'zoohouse' by Chris Wahl. Less than a minute later, Ryan Edwards ties it up with a goal of his own and the place is buzzing. When Mason Spear scored with 2:14 left in the second, it was truly a madhouse with BV fans everywhere!! It truly showed the importance of the home-ice advantage as BV fed off that energy through the second while it seemed Castlegar had left it all on the table in the first, leaving little energy to finish the game. Robinson would tie it up before the 2nd break with his 2nd of the night to dampen the mood, but only slightly.
If there was tension to start the 2nd, the third was unbearable, almost! BV proved they still had the desire and will to win as they pushed harder and harder, wearing out Castlegar even more. It was noted and mentioned to me that, throughout the third, the usual after-whistle crap that CG is so well known for, was completely non-existant. With ever increasing pressure, BV FINALLY cracks the armor of Gluck and Justin Niminiken slides home the go-ahead goal with 3:08 left and the barn exploded!!! Try as they might, the Rebels could not muster their usual final minute 'full court press' and Ryan Edwards put this series on ice with an empty netter as BV wins 5-3.
Game Stars:
BV - Mike Vlanich 33/36 saves with several being jaw-droppers
BV - Justin Niminiken 1G 1A - SERIES WINNING GOAL
CG - Jordan Gluck 30/34 saves
Game 5 was reported to have an attendance of almost 600, 591 if I recall correctly. The scoresheet on game 7 reports only 425. That has GOT to be a mistake as there were FAR more people in the barn for game 7! Either way, the place was absolutely packed! The officiating in game 5 and 6....well...lets NOT go there. Game 7 was....even. Although I despise the official for the game, J.Maniago, I have to applaud his ability to keep that whistle firmly, if not literally, planted in his pocket during the third period when soooo many penalties could very well have been called, both ways. It goes against EVERY fiber to actually say.....g-g-g-g-good j-j-j-job.......oh man that was hard!!!
Congratulations to the Nitehawks who NEVER gave up and triumphed over their opposition. Next up, Fernie Ghostriders!! Lets take it to 'em like we know how!!
Game 1: Rebels 1 - Nitehawks 4
Game 2: Rebels 4 - Nitehawks 5 - OT
Game 3: Nitehawks 2 - Rebels 3
Game 4: Nitehawks 5 - Rebels 2
Game 5: Rebels 4 - Nitehawks 3 (2OT)
Game 6: Nitehawks 4 - Rebels 6
Game 7: Rebels 3 - Nitehawks 5
I sincerely apologize for not getting to this in a more timely manner, but prior to game 5, I was asked to modify my way of thinking. So, instead of ranting and raving about the sheer ineptitude of our league officials, I decided to say nothing at all. Yes, I could have just given you all a generic, watered down version of my style, but where is the fun in that?? Instead, I held it all inside and transformed it into positive energy REGARDLESS of the verbal assault via twitter by the Rebel faithfuls. To those, I'd like to say grow up or join the healthy Rebel scratches as they huddle under blankets like little princesses in the bleachers. Wait, what am I saying, you will have to meet at the golf course, my bad :)
Onward and upward! Needless to say, I have a tonne of writing here so games 5 and 6 will be just a short recap as I build towards what we all enjoyed to no end!!
Game 5 (BVA)- Rebels opened the scoring 7:14 into the first on the PP as Scott Morisseau gets his first of 2. Dallas Calvin would tie it up for BV four minutes later on a PP of their own with a nice point shot that beat Gluck clean. The two teams would hold that tie until 6:12 of the 2nd period when Calvin lets go of another point shot that is neatly tipped by Jake Lucchini to give the Nitehawks the lead. That goal by Lucchini was his first career KIJHL playoff goal!! However, the lead would be short lived as Tyler Collins takes a slashing penalty half a minute after the goal and Castlegar would take a total of 13 seconds to bring the game back to even. Tyler Robinson gave CG the lead back two minutes later and a solo effort by Arie Postmus with 3 minutes left would once again put us back at even going into the third. BV had been dominant thus far outshooting CG 25-20 through 2 periods, but in the third they would open it up looking to put it away but Jordan Gluck stopped all 14 shots while his front 5 could only muster 6 on 'Big' Mike Vlanich. A ten minute OT would solve things and so to double OT we go. 2:09 into the second OT, the puck would find Arthur Andrews in front and he made no mistake high stick to win it for CG.
Game Stars: (unlike Castlegar, we DO pick when we lose)
CG - Arthur Andrews - GWG
CG - Jordan Gluck - 46/49 saves
BV - Dallas Calvin 1G 1A
Game 6 (CDCC)- Beaver Valley controlled the first 15 minutes of period one. The last 5 was a different story. The hero of game 5, Arthur Andrews, strikes again at 15:04 and at 15:47, Peter Mingus also gets into the action to give CG the 2-0 lead after 20 minutes. CG actually out-shot BV 14-10 in the opener, but were trodden badly come the 2nd as BV lit their fires and stormed into a 3-2 lead on goals by Chris Derochie(4:37), Craig Martin(10:39), and Mason Spear(13:35) while out-shooting CG 19-5 along the way. The fire would not stay lit in the third as CG re-asserted themselves with 3 goals of their own. Jones got the ball rolling even strength while Morisseau, and Walton would score on the power play just 24 seconds apart to blow the game open. Ryan Baines tried to rally with 7:25 remaining but Robinson shut the door with an empty netter in the final minute to give CG the 6-4 win in a game where the officiating was highly controversial.
Game Stars:
CG - Tyler Robinson 1G 2A
BV - Craig Martin 1G 2A
CG - Jordan Gluck 32/36 saves
Now, onto the main attraction!! Game 7 at home in BV!!
It has GOT to be the game of the century!! In a barn that was LOADED with people, it started with an absolutely brilliant save by 'BIG' Mike V!! Fifteen seconds into the tilt and CG gets a high quality scoring chance only to be thwarted by the pads of Vlanich. CG pushed and pushed HARD! It didnt take long for their efforts to bare fruit as Erik Alden would intercept a clearing pass and beat Vlanich just 2:50 in. Tyler Robinson would do roughly the same thing ten minutes later and suddenly the Rebels have another 2 goal lead after the first period and out-shooting BV 19-6.
Tension mounting but never losing doubt in the fight of the Nitehawks, given the comeback from two nights earlier, I knew they could do it again. It took until 8:11, but Nick Perez got his 2nd of the series and the Hawks were on the board in what was affectionately called the 'zoohouse' by Chris Wahl. Less than a minute later, Ryan Edwards ties it up with a goal of his own and the place is buzzing. When Mason Spear scored with 2:14 left in the second, it was truly a madhouse with BV fans everywhere!! It truly showed the importance of the home-ice advantage as BV fed off that energy through the second while it seemed Castlegar had left it all on the table in the first, leaving little energy to finish the game. Robinson would tie it up before the 2nd break with his 2nd of the night to dampen the mood, but only slightly.
If there was tension to start the 2nd, the third was unbearable, almost! BV proved they still had the desire and will to win as they pushed harder and harder, wearing out Castlegar even more. It was noted and mentioned to me that, throughout the third, the usual after-whistle crap that CG is so well known for, was completely non-existant. With ever increasing pressure, BV FINALLY cracks the armor of Gluck and Justin Niminiken slides home the go-ahead goal with 3:08 left and the barn exploded!!! Try as they might, the Rebels could not muster their usual final minute 'full court press' and Ryan Edwards put this series on ice with an empty netter as BV wins 5-3.
Game Stars:
BV - Mike Vlanich 33/36 saves with several being jaw-droppers
BV - Justin Niminiken 1G 1A - SERIES WINNING GOAL
CG - Jordan Gluck 30/34 saves
Game 5 was reported to have an attendance of almost 600, 591 if I recall correctly. The scoresheet on game 7 reports only 425. That has GOT to be a mistake as there were FAR more people in the barn for game 7! Either way, the place was absolutely packed! The officiating in game 5 and 6....well...lets NOT go there. Game 7 was....even. Although I despise the official for the game, J.Maniago, I have to applaud his ability to keep that whistle firmly, if not literally, planted in his pocket during the third period when soooo many penalties could very well have been called, both ways. It goes against EVERY fiber to actually say.....g-g-g-g-good j-j-j-job.......oh man that was hard!!!
Congratulations to the Nitehawks who NEVER gave up and triumphed over their opposition. Next up, Fernie Ghostriders!! Lets take it to 'em like we know how!!
Sunday 11 March 2012
NM Division Final Games 3 & 4: Nitehawks/Rebels
(BV leads series 3-1)
Game 1: Rebels 1 - Nitehawks 4
Game 2: Rebels 4 - Nitehawks 5 - OT
Game 3: Nitehawks 2 - Rebels 3
Game 4: Nitehawks 5 - Rebels 2
Good Morning Hawks Fans. What a weekend!! It was a "lose some, win some" type of weekend (backwards, I know). After suffering a heartbreaking loss on a controversial goal, BV bounced back the following night and played like the team that only lost 10 times all season and picked up the split in one of the toughest barns in the league.
Game 3: Early on it was evident that the Nitehawks were going to catch no luck. After getting the first 3 power plays of the game, lack of discipline resulted in 2 Rebel goals, the 2nd was just after the pp ended. With only 1:11 gone in the second period, CG has a 2 goal lead that, with the way Gluck has been playing, seems near insurmountable. Just 2 mins later, BV finally cashes in on the man advantage as Nims closes the Rebel lead to 1. With 7 mins remaining in the 2nd, AP Jake Lucchini in his first career KIJHL playoff game, streaked down the left boards, pulled up and tossed the perfect saucer pass to the front of the net where Scott Davidson stretched and tipped it past Gluck for the tie game!!
The 3rd was a testament to goal tending as both made unreal saves. It took until 3 mins remaining before any headway was made. Morisseau leapt on a rebound in front and pushed the puck in past Vlanich as the net was knocked off. It was a close bang-bang play that the ref was in no position to make. I was, but it was so close and fast, I don't know with certainty if it crossed the line before or after the net came off. Yet, in a close tie game late in the third, Peel, yes Peel, called it a goal. So with only 3 mins remaining, BV is down 3-2 in a hostile barn. Despite a massive push and several near goals, Castlegar hangs on to win 3-2.
Game Stars:
CG - Brendan Heinrich
CG - Jordan Gluck
BV - Scott Davidson
Game 4: BV discipline in game 3 was sketchy at best, so it only stands to reason that in order to defeat the pesky Rebels, they must stick to their game plan. Saturday night, they did. Unlike the hard hitting action that they started out with in game 3, BV had a more calculated plan for the night. If the rumors about the Rebels headhunting Collins for his hit in the first period in game 3 were true, they didnt affect the Hawks. Collins himself, and even Spear for that matter, played a much more disciplined game with no reaction to the constant agitation of Castlegar.
Just like game 3, CG opened the scoring again as Diego Bartlett teamed up with Andrews and Disher to make it 1-0 for the Rebels. After being victimized the night before on the pk, BV stepped it up and was perfect on the night. Castlegar, however, was not so fortunate. Eviston and Pearson took penalties late in the opening frame just 1:07 apart giving BV a long 2-man advantage. They took only :09 seconds to capitalize on the 5-on-3 as Craig Martin tips home a Postmus point shot to tie the game at 1 going into the break.
The second period started like the first ended, undisciplined play by CG. BV was unable to make them pay for it this time and we remained at 1. A Rebel scoring chance leads to a CG playing running into BV goalie Zach Perehudoff which got the ire of d-man Nick Perez. Instead of coincidentals, Dasti calls only the roughing on Perez. Delong took his team off the pp with a boarding call shortly after and so we got some 4-on-4 for about a minute and then BV was back on the pp. This time they made no mistake and Martin gets his 2nd of the night for the 2-1 lead they wouldnt relinquish. Things would get a little rough with just under 5 to go in the 2nd. Brantley Schapansky went into the corner to make a hit on Disher only to be tripped on the way in. His now off-balance hit was a more severe than intended and Disher was injured on the play. Dasti in his infinite wisdom decides on a 5 minute charging penalty along with a game misconduct. Luckily, Heinrich gets nabbed for holding shortly after which cuts the BV pk time. With 1:17 left in the 2nd and CG now on the pp again, Nick Perez walked in and snuck a puck 5-hole on Gluck shorthanded to give BV the 3-1 lead after 2.
With confidence soaring, BV kept pressure on in the Rebel zone in the 3rd. Castlegar briefly pushed back and capitalized on a centering pass to Horcoff to cut the BV lead to 1. Another BV power play, and another Arie Postmus point shot gives the Nitehawks their 2-goal lead back with 8:30 to go. Pressure and saves on both ends but with the Rebel net empty, Edwards streaks in and caps off the night with an empty netter as BV wins 5-2 and takes a commanding 3-1 lead in the series.
Game Stars: Well, I have to choose my own as it would seem that a certain @kijhlwatcher is correct in one aspect, Castlegar only chooses stars when they win, totally classless.
BV - Arie Postmus - 1G 2A
BV - Chris Derochie - 3A
BV - Nick Perez - 1G GWG
How is it that in 4 games, we have had the pleasure of 3 of the worst officials to ever grace the ice? Games 3 and 4 saw Dasti and Peel(again). You can ask anyone in the arena, yes, even the Rebel fans. The officiating is poor and it seems to be rubbing off on the linesmen. I dont know if the pressure of the playoffs is getting to them, but they need to step up and get their heads straight before those lunatic fans at the complex lynch them.
Speaking of fans, before the series started, I actually had several Rebel supporters talk with me and ask me to "control our fans". Seriously? After hearing the crap and disrespect that spews from Castlegar fans, I dont think they have any grounds to be asking US to get under control. Not to mention the throwing of objects onto the ice at the Nitehawk players and security not doing anything about it. It wasnt surprising as the security guard in question was wearing a Rebels sweatshirt. It just further re-inforces how all year I have labelled the Rebels the dirtiest team in the league, and it seems they have fans to match.
Next game is on Monday March 12, 2012 at 7pm at the BVA. Nitehawks can close out the series and eliminate the vermin. Lets all come out and cheer on our boys!!
Game 1: Rebels 1 - Nitehawks 4
Game 2: Rebels 4 - Nitehawks 5 - OT
Game 3: Nitehawks 2 - Rebels 3
Game 4: Nitehawks 5 - Rebels 2
Good Morning Hawks Fans. What a weekend!! It was a "lose some, win some" type of weekend (backwards, I know). After suffering a heartbreaking loss on a controversial goal, BV bounced back the following night and played like the team that only lost 10 times all season and picked up the split in one of the toughest barns in the league.
Game 3: Early on it was evident that the Nitehawks were going to catch no luck. After getting the first 3 power plays of the game, lack of discipline resulted in 2 Rebel goals, the 2nd was just after the pp ended. With only 1:11 gone in the second period, CG has a 2 goal lead that, with the way Gluck has been playing, seems near insurmountable. Just 2 mins later, BV finally cashes in on the man advantage as Nims closes the Rebel lead to 1. With 7 mins remaining in the 2nd, AP Jake Lucchini in his first career KIJHL playoff game, streaked down the left boards, pulled up and tossed the perfect saucer pass to the front of the net where Scott Davidson stretched and tipped it past Gluck for the tie game!!
The 3rd was a testament to goal tending as both made unreal saves. It took until 3 mins remaining before any headway was made. Morisseau leapt on a rebound in front and pushed the puck in past Vlanich as the net was knocked off. It was a close bang-bang play that the ref was in no position to make. I was, but it was so close and fast, I don't know with certainty if it crossed the line before or after the net came off. Yet, in a close tie game late in the third, Peel, yes Peel, called it a goal. So with only 3 mins remaining, BV is down 3-2 in a hostile barn. Despite a massive push and several near goals, Castlegar hangs on to win 3-2.
Game Stars:
CG - Brendan Heinrich
CG - Jordan Gluck
BV - Scott Davidson
Game 4: BV discipline in game 3 was sketchy at best, so it only stands to reason that in order to defeat the pesky Rebels, they must stick to their game plan. Saturday night, they did. Unlike the hard hitting action that they started out with in game 3, BV had a more calculated plan for the night. If the rumors about the Rebels headhunting Collins for his hit in the first period in game 3 were true, they didnt affect the Hawks. Collins himself, and even Spear for that matter, played a much more disciplined game with no reaction to the constant agitation of Castlegar.
Just like game 3, CG opened the scoring again as Diego Bartlett teamed up with Andrews and Disher to make it 1-0 for the Rebels. After being victimized the night before on the pk, BV stepped it up and was perfect on the night. Castlegar, however, was not so fortunate. Eviston and Pearson took penalties late in the opening frame just 1:07 apart giving BV a long 2-man advantage. They took only :09 seconds to capitalize on the 5-on-3 as Craig Martin tips home a Postmus point shot to tie the game at 1 going into the break.
The second period started like the first ended, undisciplined play by CG. BV was unable to make them pay for it this time and we remained at 1. A Rebel scoring chance leads to a CG playing running into BV goalie Zach Perehudoff which got the ire of d-man Nick Perez. Instead of coincidentals, Dasti calls only the roughing on Perez. Delong took his team off the pp with a boarding call shortly after and so we got some 4-on-4 for about a minute and then BV was back on the pp. This time they made no mistake and Martin gets his 2nd of the night for the 2-1 lead they wouldnt relinquish. Things would get a little rough with just under 5 to go in the 2nd. Brantley Schapansky went into the corner to make a hit on Disher only to be tripped on the way in. His now off-balance hit was a more severe than intended and Disher was injured on the play. Dasti in his infinite wisdom decides on a 5 minute charging penalty along with a game misconduct. Luckily, Heinrich gets nabbed for holding shortly after which cuts the BV pk time. With 1:17 left in the 2nd and CG now on the pp again, Nick Perez walked in and snuck a puck 5-hole on Gluck shorthanded to give BV the 3-1 lead after 2.
With confidence soaring, BV kept pressure on in the Rebel zone in the 3rd. Castlegar briefly pushed back and capitalized on a centering pass to Horcoff to cut the BV lead to 1. Another BV power play, and another Arie Postmus point shot gives the Nitehawks their 2-goal lead back with 8:30 to go. Pressure and saves on both ends but with the Rebel net empty, Edwards streaks in and caps off the night with an empty netter as BV wins 5-2 and takes a commanding 3-1 lead in the series.
Game Stars: Well, I have to choose my own as it would seem that a certain @kijhlwatcher is correct in one aspect, Castlegar only chooses stars when they win, totally classless.
BV - Arie Postmus - 1G 2A
BV - Chris Derochie - 3A
BV - Nick Perez - 1G GWG
How is it that in 4 games, we have had the pleasure of 3 of the worst officials to ever grace the ice? Games 3 and 4 saw Dasti and Peel(again). You can ask anyone in the arena, yes, even the Rebel fans. The officiating is poor and it seems to be rubbing off on the linesmen. I dont know if the pressure of the playoffs is getting to them, but they need to step up and get their heads straight before those lunatic fans at the complex lynch them.
Speaking of fans, before the series started, I actually had several Rebel supporters talk with me and ask me to "control our fans". Seriously? After hearing the crap and disrespect that spews from Castlegar fans, I dont think they have any grounds to be asking US to get under control. Not to mention the throwing of objects onto the ice at the Nitehawk players and security not doing anything about it. It wasnt surprising as the security guard in question was wearing a Rebels sweatshirt. It just further re-inforces how all year I have labelled the Rebels the dirtiest team in the league, and it seems they have fans to match.
Next game is on Monday March 12, 2012 at 7pm at the BVA. Nitehawks can close out the series and eliminate the vermin. Lets all come out and cheer on our boys!!
Thursday 8 March 2012
NM Division Final Game 2: Rebels/Nitehawks
(BV leads series 2-0)
Game 1: Rebels 1 - Nitehawks 4
Game 2: Rebels 4 - Nitehawks 5 - OT
This just keeps getting better and better. Had the Hawks not come back and win game 2, I would STILL rave at how exciting and suspenseful that game was. But, alas, they DID! And now that I have found myself some time, I will TRY and give you the low-down.
If you had told me that BV was going to open the series with two wins at home, I would have been ecstatic but skeptical. Not that I have so little faith in the Hawks, but, more so, I am aware of a strong Rebel game combined with arguably corrupt officiating. At best, I was banking on a split. What I got, was something I haven't seen a lot of this season and want to see more! The drive and determination they exhibited while playing from behind all night, for the most part, gave the entire barn cause to cheer and urge them on throughout the game. Had it not been for the unbelievably stellar net-minding of Jordan Gluck, it could have been an ugly, UGLY game for Castlegar!
For the 2nd game in a row, BV opened the scoring at 2:40 when Tyler Collins picked up a loose puck behind the net and walked out front and backhanded it bar-down over a sprawled Gluck. Rebels would get the first 2 opportunities on the power play and made no mistake on either to grab their first lead of the series before the 1st is half over. Henderson and Heinrich with the pp goals and its 2-1 CG. Christian Johnson would reply for BV, also on the pp, after picking up a rebound in front and blasting it past Gluck who wasnt quite fast enough. At the break, the game was tied at 2 with shots favoring CG, 12-11.
After both teams being 100% on the pp in the 1st, it would stand to reason that staying OUT of the box is going to be key in this game. With the amount of "crap" ignored, and the weak stuff being called, I figured we were in for a special teams show-down. Luckily, the boys kept things relatively clean until a boarding call on Perez just past the 10 min mark. I agreed, but also disagreed, with the call. Realistically, the ref has no choice but to make that call, but I still firmly believe that the players that put THEMSELVES in those positions should also be punished on a scale something akin to diving. Either way, once again the Rebels made no mistake and took the lead on a goal from Jones. So now, at that point, CG is 3 for 3 on the power play. It really doesnt take a genius to make the conscious effort to stay out of the box. BV did not disappoint and remained clean the remainder of the game. CG, however, could not. SURPRISE....not! Shortly after taking the lead, Henderson gets busted for a hold and the CCR line made some sick moves and had Gluck at their mercy. Chris Derochie tossed it out of the corner cross crease to Craig Martin who would have possibly been stopped on a blazing fast post-to-post move by Gluck, but instead tossed it BACK cross-crease to a waiting Ryan Edwards who had a mile of twine to shoot at. Effortlessly, he snapped the puck into the net and once again we are tied. BV out-shot CG in the 2nd 12-9 and headed into the intermission with the momentum tied at 3.
The third period was a testament tot he coaching of both these teams! Line matching was clearly evident although not always successful. CG pushed, but the Nitehawks defense was up to the task blocking more shots than could get through to a frazzled Perehudoff who didnt see a lot due to the constant traffic jam in front of him any time the puck was in the BV zone. 3:14 into the 3rd, the Rebels went ahead again on a scrambled play as Delong flipped a rebound over Perehudoff. When CG took two penalties :40 secs apart and gave BV a huge 1:20 2-man advantage, the arena was buzzing with the opportunity to tie and possibly pull ahead. Although they held good control, nothing would come of either penalty and the game would remain 4-3. Push as they might, Gluck stood his ground in all star fashion until 18:37 when Tyler Jones shot an errant puck out of play from the rebels zone. After conferring with his linesmen, ref Maniago (yes...THAT Maniago) called the penalty giving BV the late pp. Pushing even harder now, the Nitehawks had Gluck beat on a 5-hole slide play only to have it go through and out the other side of the crease. Gluck himself thought it had gone in and even hung his head in defeat, but only briefly. BV then pulled Perehudoff with just under a minute left giving them a 6 on 4 advantage. With that many bodies, the scrambles were epic! Tyler Collins was the "Johnny-on-the-spot" taking a pass from Calvin and beating Gluck to tie the game with :38 left in regulation. Whew!! The tension up to that point was INTENSE!! To add to it, with mere seconds on the clock, Martin danced from the half boards and almost won it on a beauty shot that was equaled by Glucks save.
As if we hadnt seen enough rocking hockey, we now get the pleasure of OT! In the extra frame, it was ALL BV! With the scent of blood in their noses, they dominated the play and caused raucous scrambles in front of Gluck. At 5:31, Ryan Edwards would locate a puck that squirted from a scramble in front of the net and slide it neatly past an outstretched Gluck to win the game!!
Game Stars:
BV - Ryan Edwards - Not surprising with 2 goals including the Game Winner
CG - Jordan Gluck - For the 2nd game in a row he has been the backbone of the CG team
BV - Tyler Collins - Also no surprise with 2 goals including the game tying goal
I fully expected this game to be ridiculous when it came to officiating given the ref was were presented with. While the first period was a tooth-clencher, it got easier to bear as the game progressed as it became apparent that nothing 'serious' was going to be tolerated. Fair enough, and seeing Morriseau getting tossed for a few choice words at the ref wasn't disappointing either. In a nutshell, I still think poorly of the officials as many things still went unnoticed. I hear people say to me, "But he refs in the dub!" My response is this.... ITS STILL A BLOODY PENALTY THERE TOO!!!
Out Of Town - Fernie took a 2-0 series lead over Kimberley in an 8-7 slugfest, Sicamous and Kelowna both evened their series's at 1 with wins over Kamloops and Princeton respectively.
Next up for BV is Friday March 9, and Sat. March 10 at the Complex in Castlegar. I know that I will be there, will YOU? Feel free to hit me up on twitter before or during the game.
Game 1: Rebels 1 - Nitehawks 4
Game 2: Rebels 4 - Nitehawks 5 - OT
This just keeps getting better and better. Had the Hawks not come back and win game 2, I would STILL rave at how exciting and suspenseful that game was. But, alas, they DID! And now that I have found myself some time, I will TRY and give you the low-down.
If you had told me that BV was going to open the series with two wins at home, I would have been ecstatic but skeptical. Not that I have so little faith in the Hawks, but, more so, I am aware of a strong Rebel game combined with arguably corrupt officiating. At best, I was banking on a split. What I got, was something I haven't seen a lot of this season and want to see more! The drive and determination they exhibited while playing from behind all night, for the most part, gave the entire barn cause to cheer and urge them on throughout the game. Had it not been for the unbelievably stellar net-minding of Jordan Gluck, it could have been an ugly, UGLY game for Castlegar!
For the 2nd game in a row, BV opened the scoring at 2:40 when Tyler Collins picked up a loose puck behind the net and walked out front and backhanded it bar-down over a sprawled Gluck. Rebels would get the first 2 opportunities on the power play and made no mistake on either to grab their first lead of the series before the 1st is half over. Henderson and Heinrich with the pp goals and its 2-1 CG. Christian Johnson would reply for BV, also on the pp, after picking up a rebound in front and blasting it past Gluck who wasnt quite fast enough. At the break, the game was tied at 2 with shots favoring CG, 12-11.
After both teams being 100% on the pp in the 1st, it would stand to reason that staying OUT of the box is going to be key in this game. With the amount of "crap" ignored, and the weak stuff being called, I figured we were in for a special teams show-down. Luckily, the boys kept things relatively clean until a boarding call on Perez just past the 10 min mark. I agreed, but also disagreed, with the call. Realistically, the ref has no choice but to make that call, but I still firmly believe that the players that put THEMSELVES in those positions should also be punished on a scale something akin to diving. Either way, once again the Rebels made no mistake and took the lead on a goal from Jones. So now, at that point, CG is 3 for 3 on the power play. It really doesnt take a genius to make the conscious effort to stay out of the box. BV did not disappoint and remained clean the remainder of the game. CG, however, could not. SURPRISE....not! Shortly after taking the lead, Henderson gets busted for a hold and the CCR line made some sick moves and had Gluck at their mercy. Chris Derochie tossed it out of the corner cross crease to Craig Martin who would have possibly been stopped on a blazing fast post-to-post move by Gluck, but instead tossed it BACK cross-crease to a waiting Ryan Edwards who had a mile of twine to shoot at. Effortlessly, he snapped the puck into the net and once again we are tied. BV out-shot CG in the 2nd 12-9 and headed into the intermission with the momentum tied at 3.
The third period was a testament tot he coaching of both these teams! Line matching was clearly evident although not always successful. CG pushed, but the Nitehawks defense was up to the task blocking more shots than could get through to a frazzled Perehudoff who didnt see a lot due to the constant traffic jam in front of him any time the puck was in the BV zone. 3:14 into the 3rd, the Rebels went ahead again on a scrambled play as Delong flipped a rebound over Perehudoff. When CG took two penalties :40 secs apart and gave BV a huge 1:20 2-man advantage, the arena was buzzing with the opportunity to tie and possibly pull ahead. Although they held good control, nothing would come of either penalty and the game would remain 4-3. Push as they might, Gluck stood his ground in all star fashion until 18:37 when Tyler Jones shot an errant puck out of play from the rebels zone. After conferring with his linesmen, ref Maniago (yes...THAT Maniago) called the penalty giving BV the late pp. Pushing even harder now, the Nitehawks had Gluck beat on a 5-hole slide play only to have it go through and out the other side of the crease. Gluck himself thought it had gone in and even hung his head in defeat, but only briefly. BV then pulled Perehudoff with just under a minute left giving them a 6 on 4 advantage. With that many bodies, the scrambles were epic! Tyler Collins was the "Johnny-on-the-spot" taking a pass from Calvin and beating Gluck to tie the game with :38 left in regulation. Whew!! The tension up to that point was INTENSE!! To add to it, with mere seconds on the clock, Martin danced from the half boards and almost won it on a beauty shot that was equaled by Glucks save.
As if we hadnt seen enough rocking hockey, we now get the pleasure of OT! In the extra frame, it was ALL BV! With the scent of blood in their noses, they dominated the play and caused raucous scrambles in front of Gluck. At 5:31, Ryan Edwards would locate a puck that squirted from a scramble in front of the net and slide it neatly past an outstretched Gluck to win the game!!
Game Stars:
BV - Ryan Edwards - Not surprising with 2 goals including the Game Winner
CG - Jordan Gluck - For the 2nd game in a row he has been the backbone of the CG team
BV - Tyler Collins - Also no surprise with 2 goals including the game tying goal
I fully expected this game to be ridiculous when it came to officiating given the ref was were presented with. While the first period was a tooth-clencher, it got easier to bear as the game progressed as it became apparent that nothing 'serious' was going to be tolerated. Fair enough, and seeing Morriseau getting tossed for a few choice words at the ref wasn't disappointing either. In a nutshell, I still think poorly of the officials as many things still went unnoticed. I hear people say to me, "But he refs in the dub!" My response is this.... ITS STILL A BLOODY PENALTY THERE TOO!!!
Out Of Town - Fernie took a 2-0 series lead over Kimberley in an 8-7 slugfest, Sicamous and Kelowna both evened their series's at 1 with wins over Kamloops and Princeton respectively.
Next up for BV is Friday March 9, and Sat. March 10 at the Complex in Castlegar. I know that I will be there, will YOU? Feel free to hit me up on twitter before or during the game.
Tuesday 6 March 2012
NM Division Final Game 1: Rebels/Nitehawks
(BV leads series 1-0)
Game 1: Rebels 1 - Nitehawks 4
What a game!!! THIS is what playoff hockey is all about! Fast-paced, hard-hitting, end-to-end action! Game 1 of the Neil Murdoch Division Final had all of the above. The barn was electric as tonnes of Rebel fans, who made the 45km trek south to cheer on their team, and a huge amount of Nitehawk supporters intermingled.
The first period was an ebb and flow of momentum as both teams relished puck control in the attacking zones while defenses were tested thoroughly. The entire period was so evenly matched that if not for a brief few seconds at the 9:30 mark, it could very well have been tied after 20. Brantley Schapansky would have none of that as he caught a Derek Lashuk arial pass and tossed it to his feet. Over the blue line and around the D, he made a move that was all goal-scorer and none of the board cruncher he is most known for. Alex Burrows himself couldn't have scripted it better as the forehand-backhand worked to perfection and BV grabs the all-important first goal! That lead would stand up into the intermission and spirits were high all over the arena. Shots were 14-14, which gives further indication as to how evenly match these two teams were in that period.
Coach Junker must have read the riot act during the first break as the Rebels came out with more determination. Their hard work and unbelievable passing eventually paid off on the power play as Eric Alden ripped a slapper from the point that beat "BIG" Mike Vlanich in the only place that was possible, post and in. Rebel fans exploded with excitement and the game was back to square one, literally. Despite further pressure and control, Castlegar was unable to add to it and we finished up the second knotted at 1.
Cue the tension!! If the 2nd period belonged to the Rebels, the 3rd was the Nitehawks! They re-asserted themselves and did not allow Castlegar to gain any purchase. Craig "Phenom" Martin gave BV the lead on a quick shot that beat Jordan Gluck low stick side just over 3 mins into the 3rd and the place went NUTS! I havent heard this much BV support all season!! Better late than never I guess. Just past the mid point and Martin pokes in another on a mad scramble in front of Gluck giving BV the 3-1 lead. Now, we have been HERE before! Three times this season, BV has held the lead late only to have Castlegar scramble and tie it to force OT. Tonight, however, they would NOT get that chance as Justin Niminiken hit the center of the net from his own blue line JUST as Gluck hits the bench. With a 3 goal lead and under a minute remaining, confidence was high that the win was solid, but the Rebels kept pressing and forced Vlanich to make some spectacular saves late. Nitehawks would hang on to win 4-1 and draw first blood in the series.
Games Stars:
BV - Mike Vlanich 31/32 saves
BV - Craig Martin 2G
CR - Jordan Gluck 30/33 saves
I would like to take a moment and recognize some talent here. Jordan Gluck proved to be an outstanding goalie who made sure that he kept his team in it. At least 10 of those 30 saves were legit strong scoring chances that he had to be extremely sharp on. The Rebels power play is also outstanding with the pass-pass-shoot and the Nitehawk defense HAD to bring their 'A' game to prevent damage.
Hardcore readers will have undoubtedly be waiting for this part....the officiating. What can I say that I haven't already. The quality of tonights game was sub-par as usual and to ME, it seemed to slant in Castlegars direction. I have found that I run out of word to describe it, and as it seems it will never be changed, will have to deal with it. Maybe I will just copy and paste rants from previous blog posts to save myself time and energy.
KIJHL Playoff Scores from tonight:
It was a home team sweep throughout the league. Riders fizzled the Nitros 5-2, Storm grounded the Eagles 4-2, and the Posse rode all over the Chiefs 5-1.
Next game for the Nitehawks is tomorrow night at 7pm in the BVA.
Game 1: Rebels 1 - Nitehawks 4
What a game!!! THIS is what playoff hockey is all about! Fast-paced, hard-hitting, end-to-end action! Game 1 of the Neil Murdoch Division Final had all of the above. The barn was electric as tonnes of Rebel fans, who made the 45km trek south to cheer on their team, and a huge amount of Nitehawk supporters intermingled.
The first period was an ebb and flow of momentum as both teams relished puck control in the attacking zones while defenses were tested thoroughly. The entire period was so evenly matched that if not for a brief few seconds at the 9:30 mark, it could very well have been tied after 20. Brantley Schapansky would have none of that as he caught a Derek Lashuk arial pass and tossed it to his feet. Over the blue line and around the D, he made a move that was all goal-scorer and none of the board cruncher he is most known for. Alex Burrows himself couldn't have scripted it better as the forehand-backhand worked to perfection and BV grabs the all-important first goal! That lead would stand up into the intermission and spirits were high all over the arena. Shots were 14-14, which gives further indication as to how evenly match these two teams were in that period.
Coach Junker must have read the riot act during the first break as the Rebels came out with more determination. Their hard work and unbelievable passing eventually paid off on the power play as Eric Alden ripped a slapper from the point that beat "BIG" Mike Vlanich in the only place that was possible, post and in. Rebel fans exploded with excitement and the game was back to square one, literally. Despite further pressure and control, Castlegar was unable to add to it and we finished up the second knotted at 1.
Cue the tension!! If the 2nd period belonged to the Rebels, the 3rd was the Nitehawks! They re-asserted themselves and did not allow Castlegar to gain any purchase. Craig "Phenom" Martin gave BV the lead on a quick shot that beat Jordan Gluck low stick side just over 3 mins into the 3rd and the place went NUTS! I havent heard this much BV support all season!! Better late than never I guess. Just past the mid point and Martin pokes in another on a mad scramble in front of Gluck giving BV the 3-1 lead. Now, we have been HERE before! Three times this season, BV has held the lead late only to have Castlegar scramble and tie it to force OT. Tonight, however, they would NOT get that chance as Justin Niminiken hit the center of the net from his own blue line JUST as Gluck hits the bench. With a 3 goal lead and under a minute remaining, confidence was high that the win was solid, but the Rebels kept pressing and forced Vlanich to make some spectacular saves late. Nitehawks would hang on to win 4-1 and draw first blood in the series.
Games Stars:
BV - Mike Vlanich 31/32 saves
BV - Craig Martin 2G
CR - Jordan Gluck 30/33 saves
I would like to take a moment and recognize some talent here. Jordan Gluck proved to be an outstanding goalie who made sure that he kept his team in it. At least 10 of those 30 saves were legit strong scoring chances that he had to be extremely sharp on. The Rebels power play is also outstanding with the pass-pass-shoot and the Nitehawk defense HAD to bring their 'A' game to prevent damage.
Hardcore readers will have undoubtedly be waiting for this part....the officiating. What can I say that I haven't already. The quality of tonights game was sub-par as usual and to ME, it seemed to slant in Castlegars direction. I have found that I run out of word to describe it, and as it seems it will never be changed, will have to deal with it. Maybe I will just copy and paste rants from previous blog posts to save myself time and energy.
KIJHL Playoff Scores from tonight:
It was a home team sweep throughout the league. Riders fizzled the Nitros 5-2, Storm grounded the Eagles 4-2, and the Posse rode all over the Chiefs 5-1.
Next game for the Nitehawks is tomorrow night at 7pm in the BVA.
Friday 2 March 2012
NM Semi Game 5 Postgame: Braves/Nitehawks
(BV wins series 4-1)
Game 1: Braves 3 - Nitehawks 6
Game 2: Braves 3 - Nitehawks 4 OT
Game 3: Nitehawks 7 - Braves 3
Game 4: Nitehawks 2 - Braves 3
Game 5: Braves 2 - Nitehawks 7
Games 3 and 4 were played in Spokane on Monday and Tuesday, so I was unable to attend but will give a quick breakdown.
Game 3: After being outshot badly in game 2, BV went on a tear and doubled up on Spokane monday night out shooting them 60-31! The first period was relatively even with the score 2-2 after 20 minutes and shots favoring BV 13-12. Goals by Martin and Calvin sandwiched SPO goals by Farmer and Dippolito. Period 2 was the beginning of the rout as BV collected 3 more goals to their 1 and out shot them 25-13. Johnson on a solo pp goal looked to be the only tally until less than 5 mins left and then it was 2 in :31 secs from Nims and Flanagan. Machuga answered :26 after that and it was 5-3 after 2. It was all BV in the 3rd with Martin collecting 2 more for the hatty and BV tossed 22 more pucks at Amatto to a paltry 6 in Perehudoffs direction for a 7-3 win and 3-0 series lead.
Game 4: Feeling superhuman after game 3, BV carried on the barrage of rubber towards Amatto scoring in the first minute on another Martin goal. SPO managed 2 goals in the first from Machuga and Farmer to take a 2-1 lead into the intermission. BV scored the only 2nd period goal late from Flanagan while continuing the shot onslaught. Amatto stole the show in the third as BV blasted him for 21 shots but was equal to all tasks while Tappe managed to sneak one of Spokanes 9 past Vlanich for the lead and eventual win.
Normally, Im the one to mention officiating, but since I was unable to make the games I could say nothing about it. The reports I got back from several people that took in the games was less than surprising and pretty much on par for the Nitehawks season. Apparently, officials were atrocious, and even more so in game 3. Like I said, these were independent reports that were passed along to me by several people and are not my descriptions. I have only changed the language that was used IN those reports...lol.
Enough, on to game 5 back here in BV!!
Nitehawks started the game without GM/Head Coach, Terry Jones. Why, you ask? Well, back to the previous topic of officiating, apparently it was bad enough to finally get to quite probably the classiest coach in all KIJHL. As a result, he was not allowed to sit behind the bench and had to take a birds eye view from the Hawks exec box. I wouldnt have wanted to be in there after watching the nasty game that was NOT called tonight!! The first period was mainly controlled by BV with the majority of play in the Spokane zone, yet somehow Spokane out shot BV 11-10 in a scoreless 20 minutes.
Spokane came out in the 2nd and looked like they wanted to take the play to BV and 1:02 in, did just that. Davis made it 1-0 Braves and Hawks fans were bracing for the worst. Cue up Nitehawks captain Chris Derochie! The CCR line gets BV back into it with a sweet inside-outside-backinside play from Deroch who dished it off to the 'Phenom' only to have it bounce back to him and into the back of the net it goes. Spear jumps on a loose puck to give BV its first lead of the game at 11:39, but Spokane would tie it up 4 mins later after Perehudoff made a great save but the puck bounced back out to the open side and Machuga just slips it in past an outstretched glove. Josh Peters gave BV the lead, after him, Baines and Boyczuk dominated on the boards, with 2:34 left and then that all important shift after a goal gets another one :31 seconds later and BV is now up 4-2 after 2. The Nitehawks frustration level towards the blatant missed calls started to rise near the end of the second and for good reason. High-sticks to the mouth, x-checks to the face, and even full blown muggings along the boards were completely ignored. They did, however, manage to hold their composure.
The third proved to be almost a reward for their patience and the complete undoing of the Spokane Braves. The first 10 minutes were back and forth with good chances on both sides. The Niminiken goal just before the midpoint was that proverbial "straw" that collapsed the house the Braves built. Dippolito, along with 2 others, full on attacked Collins at the Braves bench. Peters was the first to respond and refused the offer to fight with Dippolito (that woulda been a good tilt). After all was said and done, Dippolito was tossed with 2 for Illegal Hit to Head, 2 for Instigating, 5 for Fighting and a 10 min misconduct. Peters received 4 mins for roughing and so BV comes out with a 5 minute pp. Just over a minute in, and Spokane pulls off another multi-man mugging. This time its Farmer and Thurston who single out Spear. Before Thurston is escorted, he tries to pick a beef with Deroch, who absorbs it with a smile and skates away. Farmer gets a 10 min, while Spear and Thurston get 10 + 2 for roughing each. Again, less than 1 minute later, K.Redding attacks BV(didnt see who...sry) with a x-check to the head(5-min), a slash(2-min), and a game misconduct. At this point, BV still had 3:48 left in their original major pp and and now get to finish that time 5 on 3.Also, with only 6:55 remaining, they would be on the pp for the remainder of the game as Redding received 7 mins total on that scrum. Lashuk would take them off the 5 on 3 with a x-check of his own and McKinnon would bury a point shot while 4 on 3 to make it 6-2 with 5 mins left and BV still on the pp. Trevor Noldin did the smart defensive thing by giving the goalie his stick when it was knocked away from him. Then he turned around and did the most boneheaded thing he could do, pick up the goalies stick and play the puck. ref called that one immediately and once again BV has a 5-3 for 2 mins. Just content to control the play, BV kept it to the outside for the most part, but Johnson netts his 2nd of the night with :35 left to play and BV dispatches Spokane 7-2 to take the series win 4-1.
Game Stars:
BV - Chris Derochie 1G 1A - took control on the ice and his team followed
BV - Zach Perehudoff 31/33
SB - Branden Amatto 45/52 - kept SPO in the series and this game till midpoint of 2nd
I will say little about the officiating other than this, I thought we were trying to teach these kids to play the game properly, not to become goons by allowing them to get away with stuff until the game gets out of hand and the ref has to then get serious. BV is not an "angel" team and do have their fair share of infractions, but I believe they are one of the "cleanest" teams in this league. When they come up against a team like they did tonight who, granted, were fighting for survival, but also were allowed to do it in a fashion I thought was only restricted to the Nitehawks next playoff opponent, I wonder where the mentality of these officials stand.
Game 1: Braves 3 - Nitehawks 6
Game 2: Braves 3 - Nitehawks 4 OT
Game 3: Nitehawks 7 - Braves 3
Game 4: Nitehawks 2 - Braves 3
Game 5: Braves 2 - Nitehawks 7
Games 3 and 4 were played in Spokane on Monday and Tuesday, so I was unable to attend but will give a quick breakdown.
Game 3: After being outshot badly in game 2, BV went on a tear and doubled up on Spokane monday night out shooting them 60-31! The first period was relatively even with the score 2-2 after 20 minutes and shots favoring BV 13-12. Goals by Martin and Calvin sandwiched SPO goals by Farmer and Dippolito. Period 2 was the beginning of the rout as BV collected 3 more goals to their 1 and out shot them 25-13. Johnson on a solo pp goal looked to be the only tally until less than 5 mins left and then it was 2 in :31 secs from Nims and Flanagan. Machuga answered :26 after that and it was 5-3 after 2. It was all BV in the 3rd with Martin collecting 2 more for the hatty and BV tossed 22 more pucks at Amatto to a paltry 6 in Perehudoffs direction for a 7-3 win and 3-0 series lead.
Game 4: Feeling superhuman after game 3, BV carried on the barrage of rubber towards Amatto scoring in the first minute on another Martin goal. SPO managed 2 goals in the first from Machuga and Farmer to take a 2-1 lead into the intermission. BV scored the only 2nd period goal late from Flanagan while continuing the shot onslaught. Amatto stole the show in the third as BV blasted him for 21 shots but was equal to all tasks while Tappe managed to sneak one of Spokanes 9 past Vlanich for the lead and eventual win.
Normally, Im the one to mention officiating, but since I was unable to make the games I could say nothing about it. The reports I got back from several people that took in the games was less than surprising and pretty much on par for the Nitehawks season. Apparently, officials were atrocious, and even more so in game 3. Like I said, these were independent reports that were passed along to me by several people and are not my descriptions. I have only changed the language that was used IN those reports...lol.
Enough, on to game 5 back here in BV!!
Nitehawks started the game without GM/Head Coach, Terry Jones. Why, you ask? Well, back to the previous topic of officiating, apparently it was bad enough to finally get to quite probably the classiest coach in all KIJHL. As a result, he was not allowed to sit behind the bench and had to take a birds eye view from the Hawks exec box. I wouldnt have wanted to be in there after watching the nasty game that was NOT called tonight!! The first period was mainly controlled by BV with the majority of play in the Spokane zone, yet somehow Spokane out shot BV 11-10 in a scoreless 20 minutes.
Spokane came out in the 2nd and looked like they wanted to take the play to BV and 1:02 in, did just that. Davis made it 1-0 Braves and Hawks fans were bracing for the worst. Cue up Nitehawks captain Chris Derochie! The CCR line gets BV back into it with a sweet inside-outside-backinside play from Deroch who dished it off to the 'Phenom' only to have it bounce back to him and into the back of the net it goes. Spear jumps on a loose puck to give BV its first lead of the game at 11:39, but Spokane would tie it up 4 mins later after Perehudoff made a great save but the puck bounced back out to the open side and Machuga just slips it in past an outstretched glove. Josh Peters gave BV the lead, after him, Baines and Boyczuk dominated on the boards, with 2:34 left and then that all important shift after a goal gets another one :31 seconds later and BV is now up 4-2 after 2. The Nitehawks frustration level towards the blatant missed calls started to rise near the end of the second and for good reason. High-sticks to the mouth, x-checks to the face, and even full blown muggings along the boards were completely ignored. They did, however, manage to hold their composure.
The third proved to be almost a reward for their patience and the complete undoing of the Spokane Braves. The first 10 minutes were back and forth with good chances on both sides. The Niminiken goal just before the midpoint was that proverbial "straw" that collapsed the house the Braves built. Dippolito, along with 2 others, full on attacked Collins at the Braves bench. Peters was the first to respond and refused the offer to fight with Dippolito (that woulda been a good tilt). After all was said and done, Dippolito was tossed with 2 for Illegal Hit to Head, 2 for Instigating, 5 for Fighting and a 10 min misconduct. Peters received 4 mins for roughing and so BV comes out with a 5 minute pp. Just over a minute in, and Spokane pulls off another multi-man mugging. This time its Farmer and Thurston who single out Spear. Before Thurston is escorted, he tries to pick a beef with Deroch, who absorbs it with a smile and skates away. Farmer gets a 10 min, while Spear and Thurston get 10 + 2 for roughing each. Again, less than 1 minute later, K.Redding attacks BV(didnt see who...sry) with a x-check to the head(5-min), a slash(2-min), and a game misconduct. At this point, BV still had 3:48 left in their original major pp and and now get to finish that time 5 on 3.Also, with only 6:55 remaining, they would be on the pp for the remainder of the game as Redding received 7 mins total on that scrum. Lashuk would take them off the 5 on 3 with a x-check of his own and McKinnon would bury a point shot while 4 on 3 to make it 6-2 with 5 mins left and BV still on the pp. Trevor Noldin did the smart defensive thing by giving the goalie his stick when it was knocked away from him. Then he turned around and did the most boneheaded thing he could do, pick up the goalies stick and play the puck. ref called that one immediately and once again BV has a 5-3 for 2 mins. Just content to control the play, BV kept it to the outside for the most part, but Johnson netts his 2nd of the night with :35 left to play and BV dispatches Spokane 7-2 to take the series win 4-1.
Game Stars:
BV - Chris Derochie 1G 1A - took control on the ice and his team followed
BV - Zach Perehudoff 31/33
SB - Branden Amatto 45/52 - kept SPO in the series and this game till midpoint of 2nd
I will say little about the officiating other than this, I thought we were trying to teach these kids to play the game properly, not to become goons by allowing them to get away with stuff until the game gets out of hand and the ref has to then get serious. BV is not an "angel" team and do have their fair share of infractions, but I believe they are one of the "cleanest" teams in this league. When they come up against a team like they did tonight who, granted, were fighting for survival, but also were allowed to do it in a fashion I thought was only restricted to the Nitehawks next playoff opponent, I wonder where the mentality of these officials stand.
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