ATLASVILLE, SOUTH AFRICA – The first game of the 2011 season in South Africa, Johannesburg, took place between Scorpions and Warriors.
The Warriors with their two new acquisitions, Deen Magmoed and Gareth Miller showed their strength by romping to a 7-1 Victory.
Ashley Bock in goal for the Warriors was awarded 1st star for his performance.
The following weekend, Sunday 22 May saw the Wildcats open their season against Scorpions. The Schedule was changed during the time my last article was published and thus the change of team from Warriors to Scorpions.
If this game was anything to go by, this season is going to be one of the best in a long time.
With the Wildcats sporting their new jerseys, a buzz was in the air.
The game started at a good pace in front of a full crowd at the Festival Mall Ice Rink. Within the first 5 minutes, Jack Valadas of the Wildcats was leveled by Damian Cardoso. This hit took quite a bit out of Valadas as it took him a few minutes to get up and once he did he noticed his lip had been cut on the inside from the impact.
The hitting didn’t stop here as both teams were out to take the lead and with both teams having physical players there was no backing down.
Shots in the first period were in favour of the Scorpions team with them peppering Gary Bock in goals. He stood strong until 18 minutes into the first period when scorpions forward, Mike Santos received the puck on the blue line. With the Warriors defencemen not applying pressure, Santos skated in and let a wrist shot go which snuck under the stick side arm of Bock.
Nick Beukes must have given his team a bit of a talking to during the break, as they came out with a renewed spirit. This time it was their turn to pepper Berger in the Scorpions goals. Their pressure finally paid off when a 2 on 1 with Matthews and Lyon ensued. Matthews crossed the puck to Lyon who deked Berger and put the puck in to make it 1-1.
The third period began with the same intensity as the first and second with neither team tiring. Scorpions applied pressure, Bock saved the shot and scuffle broke out. What was thought to be over, wasn’t as Clinton For (Scorpions) and Justin Harman (Wildcats) continued their fight at the benches. This led to Harman been given a 5 plus game and Foy a 2 minute penalty.
The 4-on-4 was exciting for the fans as it opened up the ice, once Foy’s penalty was over and Scorpions gained the main advantage they took it straight away.
With Wildcats defence under pressure, the puck was dumped and they thought they had cleared it, but it had deflected off a Scorpions player and back into the corner where Santos was waiting. He skated out, dragged the puck across the goals and deked Bock to make it 2 -1.
Scorpions won 2-1.
The next game will be Sunday 29th May 2011 between Wildcats and Warriors. This should bode for an interesting game as both starting keepers for the teams won’t be available this weekend due to family commitments. Wildcats may have the upper hand in this department as their back up is National Under 18 keeper, Steven Ryan. He has waited for his chance for a while to show that he can handle the PHL.
Just a note on the side, the South African National Inline hockey team that will be taking part in World Championships in Pardubice, Czech Republic from 19 – 25 June 2011 has been announced. The team is as follows:
Ian Ashworth
David Berger
Cameron Birrell
Ashley Bock
Jacques Booysen
Zayn du Plessis
Grant van Eeckhoven
Chris Engelbrecht
Chris Jeavons
Trevor Jones
Deen Magmoed
Andre Marais
Gareth Miller
Burton Matthews
Jack Valadas
Dave Watson
Reserves:
George Lyon
Ryan Marsh
Coach:
Gavin Smith
Contact Gary.Bock@prohockeynews.com
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