In this week’s Roller Hockey Round-Up Story, we focus on four overtime winners, a wild high scoring affair in the Platinum Division, and a big statement victory for the Rockies.
“A” Platinum Division
Swamp Donkeys 9 Rotten Apples 7 Final
The Swamp Donkeys bounced back from a tough shootout loss in Week 6, with a thrilling victory over the Rotten Apples on Wednesday night. Vinny Pontrello led what was an offensive assault by the Donkeys, finishing the night with four goals and two assists. Kyle Kalibat and Tom Scheer also had big games, scoring two goals apiece for the Swamp Donkeys.
Despite giving up nine goals, the Rotten Apples were able to keep this one close, largely in thanks to a four-goal evening from Frank Etrasco. Nick Vitale and Andrew Alaggio also both chipped in with three points each for the Apples. The second period proved to be the difference in the game, with the Swamp Donkeys outscoring their opponent 4-2.
Through six games, the Swamp Donkeys remain without a regulation loss, and as a result, sit in first place in the Platinum Division. The Rotten Apples have gone through an up and down season, and are 3-3 on the summer.
“B” Gold Division
KJ Farrells 6 Mud Dawgz 5 Final/OT
On Tuesday night, Nick Casazza got to complete his hat trick in the best possible fashion. Casazza’s third goal came in overtime, and gave the KJ Farrells a victory over the Mud Dawgz. Casazza leads the Gold Division in goals, with 10 so far this summer. Ryan Smith earned the victory in net, making 25 saves.
With 3:08 remaining in the second period, Casazza scored to give the Farrells a 6-5 advantage. The Mud Dawgz forced overtime and earned a point in the contest, thanks to Thomas Apa, who scored with just 7.1 seconds left in regulation time. Apa finished the game with a hat trick of his own, and now has six goals on the season.
The KJ Farrells currently have the most points in the Gold Division, with 10. Time For Pucks and the Goalies Gone Wild each have eight points apiece, helping shape what should be an exciting race in the second half of the season.
“C” Silver Division
Halifax Highlanders 4 Yohe 3 F/OT
Monday night’s contest was a crucial one for both the Halifax Highlanders and Yohe, two teams that struggled for most of the first half of the season. Both squads managed to pick up important points in the standings in this overtime affair, but the Highlanders earned the key second point, thanks to an overtime winning goal from Gary Knott. It was Knott’s second goal of the game, and his third of the season.
Both Mike Ferracane and Gino Carello also scored in the game for the Halifax Highlanders, helping the team jump out to a 3-0 lead after one period of play. Yohe came alive in the second period, getting goals from Vincent Previti, AJ Kennedy, and Michael Bifulco.
The Halifax Highlanders now have five points on the season, and hold a two-point advantage over fifth-place Yohe. The Sparkling Wiggles still lead the Silver Division, with 11 points.
“40 & Over” Masters Division
Rockies 7 Retro Whalers 0 Final
Coming into this week, the Retro Whalers had yet to lose this summer. But, on Tuesday night, not only did the Whalers lose their perfect record, but they were defeated by a whopping seven goals by the Rockies. The Rockies put the league on watch with the win, and now only sit two points out of the first-place.
The Rockies scored four times in the first period, with two of the goals coming from Rich Maroto. Maroto was far from finished on the evening, as he ended the contest with four goals and an assist. Maroto’s effort not only helped carry his team to a statement victory, but also boosted him up to forth in points in the Masters Division. Randy Supek contributed five points in the victory for the Rockies.
Despite the Retro Whalers rough night, they still are a first-place club halfway through the summer season. But, the Rockies made it clear this week, that the division title is very much up for grabs.
“Rec” East Division
Play It Again 3 Cobra Kai 2 Final/OT
On Sunday, Cobra Kai had an incredible final minute of regulation, scoring twice to force overtime. But, it was Play It Again that came away with the two points in the contest, thanks to a game-winning overtime strike from Will Girimonte. Goaltender James Hansen picked up the victory in net, making an impressive 33 saves for Play It Again.
Jake Tristano also had a big night for Play It Again, scoring two goals and assisting on one. He now has five goals and seven points on the summer. Gary Martellucci and Nick Valenti were the two players who came up with the clutch final minute goals for Cobra Kai.
Play It Again is now 2-2 on the season. They sit one point ahead of Cobra Kai in the standings, despite the fact that they have skated in two less games.
“Rec” North Division
Leftovers 5 Old Skool 4 Final/OT
On Monday night, the Leftovers did something no other team has been able to accomplish this summer, by defeating Old Skool. Pete Mari clinched the victory for the Leftovers. He completed his hat trick, with a game-winning overtime score goal. After his four-point night, Mari is now tied for first in the league with 11 goals and 14 points.
This game provided an exciting final four minutes of regulation, with each team scoring twice in the time span. Brian Sheehan, who is tied with Mari for the league lead in goals and points, scored two times for Old Skool. Mari and Mike Spiteri scored the late-goals for the Leftovers.
Old Skool still holds a three-point lead over the Ice Holes for first place in the North Division. The Leftovers are now 3-2 on the summer, and have won three in a row.
“Z” Bronze Division
Varsity Clown 4 Torpedoes 1 Final
Varsity Clown and the Torpedoes are both teams right in middle of the crowded Bronze Division postseason race, and in the two team’s matchup on Sunday, it was Varsity Clown that picked up the two key points in the standings. Goaltender Anthony Senatore helped carry Varsity to the victory with a 23-save effort.
Varsity Clown also benefited from multi-point efforts from Marc Castro (goal and two assists) and Chris Hoenigmann (goal and an assist). James Milner also added a goal for Varsity Clown, and is now seventh in the Bronze division in scoring. Michael Sanfilippo scored the Torpedoes lone goal in the game.
After the win, Varsity Clown sits in sixth place in the Bronze Division. The Torpedoes are tied for the eighth and final playoff spot with The Great White Buffalo.
Games to Watch Next Week:
(Z) July 29th 7pm WTF vs. Pet Detectives
(RE) July 31st 10pm Assisted Living vs. Play It Again
(C) August 1st 11pm Sparkling Wiggles vs. Rick Rollers
(A) August 2nd 9pm LI Blazers vs. Swamp Donkeys
(B) August 2nd 10pm Goalies Gone Wild vs. Born2Puck
(RN) August 3rd 7pm Iceholes vs. Leftovers (Sportime Hockey Game of the Week)
(M) August 3rd 9pm Rockies vs. Hurricanes
