Bear Hockey 8 Gaels 2

goldenstateservicesj
Dec 10, 2019
3 min read

The Gaels of Mt. St. Joe’s were forecast by the MAPHL coaches to be 9^th in the league. After beating predicted #1 Gonzaga 3-2 and the favorite for #3 DeMatha 3-1 then a loss to GP 2-8 and a tie with Forecast #8 StA, the Baltimore team occupied the top spot in the MAPHL. Outside of league play they had s 2-2 record with s total tally of 4-3-1. The Bears traveled to the Laurel Ice Gardens undefeated in two games.

It does not require the years of hockey expertise of a Don Cherry to project that the visitors would nervous and cautious given the two teams comparative experiences. The opinionated, well clad Canadian would predict doom for the Landon team,

Au contraire, Monsieur!!! The Bears blew a gale at the Gaels and took it to the home team. An early MSJ penalty resulted in a Landon powerplay. The extra man offense (excuse the mixed metaphor) moved the puck effectively. A pass from Kyle Radimer to Matt Brille resulted in a torrid slapshot goal @ 11:50.

Even strength goal was entered in the scorebook @8:41; a pass from Matt to JH Lages beat the MSJ goalie on another slapshot.

The Bears tested their PK with a five minute penalty followed by a two minute time in the sin bin. A Gael penalty during this advantage diminished their advantage somewhat, but the net impact was a 5 on 3 segment. A big opportunity for the home team was literally blocked by a sliding Kareem Al-Azem who was rewarded with a puck to his ribs. No goal for the Gaels.

Ryan Giles received a nice pass from Will Lawrence 2:17. The Sophomore D’s shot found the back of the opponent’s net

END OF 1^ST PERIOD BEARS 3 GAELS 0

During the intermission, the MSJ coach must have instructed his team to be more physical. Didn’t work. The home team scored at 12:21, but the momentum shifted back to the Bears as some of the opposing checks missed the mark.

Even more impressively, the Brown sweatered skaters moved the puck smartly and won a high percentage of the 1 v. 1 competitions. The Landon D played very, very well. Led by senior Ethan Weinstein, the blue lines kept the puck within their O zone. The seven protectors of goalie Max Weinstein (17 saves) got back to limit the MSJ possession in their O zone and to deter shots.

The three goal margin was restored @ 7:38 on a fast break ending in a nice pass from Ryan to Will.

Soon thereafter, @ 2:17, Tommy Kenary picked the far corner on a sweet pass from Kareem.

Minutes 15:01 to 30:00 BEARS 5 GAELS 1

The Bears’ dominance continued for the last third. Goal 6 was a nice tic-tac-toe play among Damon Pirku (A), Matt (A) and goal by Oscar Smick @12:01.

Matt earned his second G with a stylish shot @ 8:17

The Gaels did not concede the game and got their 2^nd goal on a rebound at 3:32.

Two consecutive MSJ fouls resulted in a Landon PP. Successful conversion on the advantage @1:46 assist by Oscar and goal, his 3^rd, by Matt Brille.