Sweeps GFC In Inaugural Finals
Game 2 of the OHL Cup took Place on Sunday, Jan. 8 with Cee’s Team completing an undefeated season, toppling Team GFC 6-3 to sweep the series 2-0 and becoming the inaugural Champions of the Oval Hockey League (OHL).
As they often did this season, Cee’s Team jumped out to an early first period lead thanks to defenseman Gary Kull. The lead didn’t last long though as a determined Team GFC piled on the pressure eventually tying the game at one thanks to Mark Anastasio.
Shortly after the tying goal, GFC made it 2-1 thanks to Captain David Kull, who linked up with his brother Stephen to give Team GFC a onegoal advantage going into the second period.
The second period was a tightly contested one as both teams were cautious to not to give up the next goal. Cee’s Ream found the lone tally in the period to tie the game at 2-2 off a goal from Bobby Kasimis.
With the game tied going in to the third, Cee’s Team elevated their game to another level as they outplayed Team GFC in the final period to take the OHL Cup. Kasimis scored his second of the game to make it 3- 2. A short time later, Adrian Pamparau scored what proved to be the winning goal to make it 4-2. Carmelo Stracuzzi then tallied Cee’s fifth goal.
Team GFC was able to get one back as Antonino Salvo poked a loose puck home to cut the lead to 5- 3. But it wasn’t enough, as Joe Finnichiaro rounded out the scoring to make it a 6-3 final.
The inaugural Oval Hockey League season proved to be a successful one with Cee’s Team completing an amazing undefeated season to become the league’s first ever champions. Following the game, a small awards ceremony was held in the rink. Anthony Mano, goaltender for The Assassins, was voted the league Most Valuable Player. Gary Kull of Cee’s Team was voted the Most Valuable Defenseman, while Antonino Salvo (RW, Team GFC) received an award for being the league’s scoring champion.
George Maddalena (G, Cee’s Team) captured the Most Valuable Goalie award. Finally Carmello Stracuzzi (C, Cee’s Team) was voted as the Playoff MVP.
The Oval Hockey League is scheduled to drop the puck on a
–SEE OHL ON PG. 66- spring season Mar. 3. They are currently accepting registration for any teams interested in participating in the league.
The OHL has also scheduled to a free hockey clinic for children ages 5-10 to learn the basics of the game on Jan. 28.
For more information on the Oval Hockey League, the spring season or the free clinic, visit the Oval Hockey League Facebook page, e-mail them at Ovalhockeyleague@gmail.com or contact League President Andrew Oddo at 1-718-757-0890.
