NY Lions Win Gold

Game Summaries by NY Lions Captain Vinny Cericola

GAME 1:

1. Some weird referee calls; we killed off at least four penalties.
2. Jason Fabreaux, who was "Herculean" with his long drives up from Philadelphia for all three games of the finals and the semi-finals game against the Marlins...so helpful!
3. Goaltender, Chris Brand with a shut-out against the Marlins 3-0 and for the first Finals game against the Blast, (Final Score: 7-0 Lions).
4. We got on top in the middle of the first and did not look back, they matched lines and we had the advantage and played a strategic game to hold them back.

GAME 2:

1. Not to be outdone and go belly up, the Blast came out hard and furious. After a few near misses on our behalf, it was like a sign that we would not be getting the bounces this night. They scored four goals against our first line. And our first line one was ineffective on at least two power plays, barely generating any offense.
2. They wanted it more than us and out-hustled us.
3. The bench was shortened with 6 minutes left and suddenly we were taking it to them. We only managed to get one goal, but the message was sent: We will be ready for the next game!
4. It was very encouraging that Lines 2 and 3 shut the Blast down. If only Line 1 could have had been more effective in this game. Between Games 2 and 3, a flurry of e-mails from many Lions players expressing concern and encouragement brings everyone together and is an indication of the determination -- the heart of a Lion, if you will.

GAME 3: Starts out similar to Game 2.

1. We missed a few big chances early. And rang a few posts.
2. Line 1 lets up the first goal against and we are down 1-0, BUT we do not give up and scrape it back on a goal from Brian Harrington on an ensuing power play that was drawn out of some good hustling from Line 3.
3. Then in the 2nd period, we let in a soft goal by one of the Blast's weaker lines. Chris Brand appears to make the save, and as we all watch, it gently slides behind him at a slight angle. After 10 seconds of gasping, it crosses the line, and we are down 2-1.
4. The lines stayed in it and did not give up. We hit another post and had the pressure on, then I got the puck from someone and skated deep into the far corner, and dumped the puck in front. It hits a skate and skids right up the slot towards the blue line. Jason Fabreaux comes in late and rips a high one. With a thunk against the back crossbar, the game is tied with 6 minutes and change on the clock.
5. We shorten the bench.
6. Their studs seem tired and perhaps the ghosts of Fall `02 are haunting them.
7. With about 2:40 on the clock Brian Harrington picks up the puck and feeds it to me at center ice. Vinny Cericola swoops in left side, throws on the brakes and moves across towards center, still in the high slot. Cericola lets go with a wrist shot, just trying to get it on net, and it goes through the five hole and in. We are up for the first time since Sunday night!
8. The Blast call a time out, we rest up. We move David Walker to Line 2. Amazing defensive play to keep them neutralized, the bench supporting with lots of screaming. David Thornton was suddenly a loud-mouthed Long Island soccer mom.
9. The buzzer rings and we triumph once more.
10. No hot water in the showers. D'OH!!
11. Amazing defensive play from Lines 2 and 3, allowing only 1 goal between the two in the last 4 games!
12. Everyone stepped up and we won as a team, EVERYONE had something to contribute!