Halifax Floor Hockey League
For the first time ever, the LAN Hackers were not prohibitive favorites entering the playoffs. After winning the first two games of the season in typical Hacker blowout fashion, they compiled a rather unimpressive 1-1-2 record to close out the season. Even in the semi-finals the Hackers looked extremely vulnerable in eking out a 6-5 shootout victory over the Lite-Sabres. But as they have done season after season, the LAN Hackers saved their best for last.
Flooring a complete line-up of eight forwards, the Hackers methodically picked apart the defense of fellow finalists, the Keane Fire. Leading the "Hack-Attack" was the dynamic duo of John Price and rookie sensation Chris Doodey. Price led all goal scorers with 7, while line-mate Doodey tallied 4 goals and 4 assists in a 17-10 Hackers romp that secured their third straight championship.
The Fire fought valiantly, making second and third period comebacks, after falling well behind in the first. Kevin Haddad, the Fire's all-time leading scorer, broke out of a mini-slump, scoring 5 goals and adding an assist. Although the Fire also brought two complete lines to the game, they were without their first round draft choice, and all-star defenseman, Perry Gillam. Although team captain Stephen Barriault would not comment on the absence, many players suspected Gillam was afraid of straining his relationship with his good friend and Hackers captain John Dulong.
[ Sabres 11 Slayers 8 ]
Earlier in the evening, third place was on the line as the Sunnydale Slayers faced off against a much improved Lite-Sabres squad. Both teams arrived with only one sub on the hottest day of the year. Halfway through the first period, it was evident that players were becoming exhausted and suffering from dehydration. The most affected team in the early stages appeared to be the Lite-Sabres, as the Sunnydale Slayers racked up a commanding 6-2 lead. But just when all hope seemed to be vanishing for the Lite-Sabres, they found their second wind. Unfortunately for the Slayers, this happened just as they were losing theirs. The Lite-Sabres, who hadn't scored more than 7 goals all season, rallied for four unanswered goals to close out the second period, and drew even with the Slayers at 6.
The Sabres continued their pressure in the third period, frequently scoring from in close. Sabres rookie Richard Pickering returned after a one-game absence and played his best game of the year, scoring 4 goals and 2 assists. Asked why he has changed from his trademark jeans to the more conventional shorts, Pickering replied (with a hint of a French accent), "Long pants are so spring; so yesterday; so passe. With the summer season fully upon us, the trend is to shy away from winter-season long pants, and move forward in the direction of culottes. And accessorize, baby!"
The Sabres held on to capture third place with an 11-8 victory. Sabres' goalie Chris McMaster recovered after an admittedly weak start. "It was so hot out there, the sweat was dripping in my eyes and blinding me. I was like Tommy playing pinball - I think I was playing by smell. But the gear stunk so bad I couldnt smell very well either. Did I mention my sore groin? And I think I ruptured my Achilles heel during the first intermission. But my mind was really on my sick cat Samantha. So it was hard to concentrate too…" McMaster went on with the whining and excuses for another 5 minutes before he was reminded that he won.
Thanks to all participants and web-site visitors for another successful season.