2019 Fall Championship – Recap

JRHL Championship – Silver Snakes sweep the Blue Barracudas to capture the first-ever JRHL Championship.

Game One, Silver Snakes: 10 – Blue Barracudas: 9

History was made tonight as the puck dropped on the first-ever JRHL Championship series. Both teams came out slow as if they were filling one another out and trying not to make the game’s first mistake. Controversy struck earlier as the Barracudas took a shot from the point that Bloom called a goal on the ice. However, Bloom wasn’t sure and looked to the rafters for some support and the goal was eventually called properly and play resumed. It didn’t take much longer for the scoreless game too broken as Brandon Curtis slipped one by goaltender Bird. This was a breath of fresh air for Blue because they were playing down two men because of some tardy teammates. Before we knew it, Barracudas forward Russ Griffith came skating into the game and simply took over. Russ finished the period with 3 goals giving Blue the advantage 6-2 going into the second frame.

The second period was much different as the Silver Snakes came out pressing knowing they dug themselves a deep deep hole to climb out of. When the going gets tough the tough get going! The Snakes ending this period with a 5-1 advantage, a 20 – 9 shot differential and evened the game at 7. Blues final player showed up in the second period and you have to wonder if that threw off their line combinations and added a little something extra to figure out. Nonetheless, the Battle for Helms Deep had nothing on what we were about to see in the 3rd period.

The 3rd period was exciting as both teams turned up the pressure and traded shots on each side of the court. Blue was looking to break the tie as a flurry of shots pummeled Bird with one rebound squirting out to a wide-open Jared Pavic. Brandon Bird was down and out and Pavic was staring at a yawning cage, Jared released a quick shot and out of nowhere bird sprawled out to make an unbelievable save. The only problem was the net was off its mooring and the goal would not have counted. That didn’t stop Bird from looking to league officials, and for the second time this year, self-proclaiming the save of the year. Sorry, Brandon, the save never happened as the play was ruled dead. The clock started to creep down with no team wanting to give in but someone had to. The Barracudas took the lead but that didn’t last long. Blues defensemen, John Matchock, committed a costly turnover inside his own zone that lead to Silver tying it back up. This proved to be costly, as not long after, Silvers Tim George gave the Snakes the lead that they wouldn’t relinquish. Blue didn’t go away as they pulled the goalie, down 2, with a minute left and Nate James notched a goal pulling them to the score of 10-9. Too little to late as this would be the final score and Game 2 would be next.

Game Two, Silver Snakes: 8 – Blue Barracudas: 5

This game did not start out like game 1. Silver was determined to jump to an early lead and that’s exactly what happened. Tim George scored within the game’s first minute to start the championship train rolling. It may be shocking for you to hear this but Tim George is actually human! Not long after giving his team the lead, he turned the puck over which resulted in Brandon Curtis getting Blue on the board. Period one finished with a much different score that period one of game one, 2-1 Snakes.

As the second period rolled on the Barracudas needed a spark if they wanted something to change and that’s exactly what they got. Veteran Scott “Hound Dog” Basset tied it up with a hard-working goal from behind the net. Blue used this goal to fuel the fire and absolutely controlled the play of the period. Silver was getting a bit frustrated with that fact and it started to show. Tempers were rising, battles were fought a little harder and eventually referee Bloom had to warn some younger talent to cool down just a bit. The game stayed tied until the Barracudas, John Matchock, ripped one past the goaltender giving Blue a 3-2 lead. Back and forth we go because a few minutes later Blue could not clear the puck and it ended up on Georges stick for the goal to put the score at 3s. Brandon Curtis must not have liked how this all went down because before the score could even change on the scoreboard, he put Blue up 4-3.

To the 3rd we go with Blue being up one and Steve Costic barely with a drop of sweat on him. Is he working hard enough for Silver to capture game 2, doesn’t look like it? As the third period got underway it didn’t take long for the Snake to tie this one back up, I mean what else would you expect. Nolan Mock has some nifty stick work that left a few Blue defenders picking somethings up as he tied the game two mins in. It seemed at this point that Silver was ready to take control and finish the Barracudas off. Tim George and Brian Terek came streaking down the court and with a nice little soft pass across the slot, Terek breaks the tie. This goal may have been the straw that broke the proverbial camels back as blue had to push for offense but instead found themselves down 2. That’s all Silver needed as their youngest and most in-shape player took control. Nolan just seemed to have that extra step and provided one final goal to seal the Barracudas fate. The final score ended up 8-5 and the Silver Snakes celebration began. This is a celebration that will be short-lived as the GMs will be back at work soon preparing for the winter draft. SEE YOU ALL THEN!!!!