HONG KONG—With teams comprising ex-pros from Canada, USA and Europe interlaced with hockey talent from Asia, Hong Kong CIHL produces a fine blend of skills, dedication and tough play resulting in awe inspiring entertainment. This was again true at Mega Ice, the home of the Hong Kong CIHL, on Saturday Oct 25 the 4th week of the 2014-15 season. With two action-packed matches people gasp at the speed of play and the toughness of the competition.
Kowloon Warriors vs Macau Aces
After finishing the 1st session 0-0, Jake McDonnell opened the scoring for the Warriors 4 minutes into the second period, but Aces hit back with 2-goals within 30 secs to go into the break 2-1. In the 3rd stanza a first minute goal by Benjamin Hockley for Aces, opened the gap to 3-1 but Warriors trying to get back on even terms succeeded in reducing the deficit to 2-3 with a goal by Greg Smyth, but could not equalize in a highly charged final minutes. Both goalies received 3-Star awards as did Hockley for his two goals.
South China Sharks vs Hong Kong Tycoons
After 5-minutes without scoring, Goals came thick and fast in the second match of the evening between South China Sharks and the Hong Kong Tycoons—with 7-goals coming in the first 12-minute session. Jonathan Szychia opened the account for the Tycoons in the 5th minute and this was followed up 30 seconds later with a strike by Brad Smith. Sharks upped their game and hit back with strikes by Ben Dolgin and Reto Broennimann to tie the score at 2-2, but Smith added a second to his account and then Kory Falite made it 4-2 to Tycoons. Jordan So produced a last minute goal to put Sharks back in the hunt at 3-4 at the first break.
Dennis Lo increased Tycoon’s lead to 5-3 in just 17 seconds of the 2nd period, but Sharks would not let them get away with strikes by Julien Jorand and Jordan So pulling the score back to 5-5 before Kory Falite assisted by Brad Smith edged Tycoons in front to 6-5.
After the Ice cleaning break, Tycoons started to dominate proceedings as Smith and Falite completed their hat-tricks to move the score to 8-5. Shark’s So, always looking dangerous, pulled back a late goal to complete the score line at 8-6 to the Tycoons.
Falite, Smith and So collected 3-Star awards at the end of the match. As might be expected from these outstanding players, the three of them lead the goal scoring stats with 8, 6 and 4 goals respectively after 4-rounds. Team-wise the Tycoons have taken up the top spot on 6-points, Sharks and Aces are on 4-points and the Warriors are now a point further back on 3-points.
There is a break in fixtures next week. The next matches are scheduled for Saturday Nov 8.
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