Nicole Neeson Sends Titans to Finals!

2013 TPWHL Playoffs Semi-Final - Game 2: (2) Titans vs (3) Lions (Boxscore)

Titans Wins Best of Three series 2-0 to Advance to the Finals!

After a 1-0 Game 1, it was much of the same in Game 2 with a thrilling 2-1 Win in Overtime for the Titans.

Titans once again opened the scoring on Nicole Neeson's (#5) first goal of the 2013 playoffs in the 1st period.

The Lions who were looking to tie up the series, found some life in the 2nd period with a goal from their Captain Kirk "Bam Bam" Ashman (#92) to tie the game at 1.

The rest of the game was quite intense and the Lions had many close chances to take the lead, but Neil Mercer (#67) made all the stops. Late in the 3rd period with 1:30 left on the clock the Titans had a great opportunity with Kirk Ashman in the box, however Leo Xu (#23) and the defence stayed strong to send the game to a 10 minute overtime.

In the overtime period, the Titans kept on coming at the Lions and eventually broke through late in the period with the winner from Nicole Neeson, her 2nd of the game to help return them to the Finals. Jeremy Schofield (#6) assisted on the goal.

This was one of the best series I have seen, there was great goaltending and defence from both teams. You could feel the intensity from watching the games. Also, these two teams were evenly matched and the series really could have gone either way. Lions should be proud.

Honourable mentions to Brandon Hibbs (#21), Matthew Vocino (#13), Matthew Cockburn (#87), Sergio Correia (#26) of the Titans, Don Dechamps (#9), Lori Edwards (#14), Don Barrie (#33), Greg Contaxis (#66), Marcel Adarkawa (#99), and Gabriel (#19) of the Lions who all played a great series.

Game 1 of the Finals is on April 20th at 1pm.

Defending Champs Titans Wins Defensive Battle in Game 1

2013 TPWHL Playoffs Semi-Final - Game 1: (2) Titans vs (3) Lions (Boxscore)

Photo by Esther Dzura

Titans Lead Best of Three series 1-0 with a 1-0 Win over the Lions in Game 1.

In a game between last years champion Titans and 2011 Champion Lions, it was an intense and tight defensive battle right to the end.

The Titans scored the only goal of the game at 8:50 in the 2nd period, Jeremy Schofield (#6) scored his first of the 2013 playoffs assisted by Nicole Neeson (#5). On the goal Jeremy scoped the ball up and over Goalie Leo Xu (#23), who played an excellent game for the Lions.

Goalie Neil Mercer (#67) got his first playoff shutout as a Titan and continued his great goaltending in the playoffs. Neil improved to 5-1 with a 1.50 Goals Against Average in his last 6 Playoff games. Brandon Hibbs (#21) also played a great game on defence.

After watching the game I believe the Lions still have a chance with Kirk Ashman (#92) and Don Dechamps (#9), who fought hard in Game 1. Either way it will be great series.

Honourable mentions to Matthew Vocino (#13), Sergio Correia (#26) of the Titans, Lori Edwards (#14), Don Barrie (#33), Greg Contaxis (#66), Marcel Adarkawa (#99), and Gabriel (#19) of the Lions who all played their hearts out.

Game 2 is on April 13th.

Lions edge Falcons

3/23/2013 - Lions vs Falcons (Boxscore)

In a playoff tune up for both teams, the Lions edge the Falcons 4-3.

Saverio Romano (#4) opened the scoring at 8:16 of the first, assist from Lorne Donnelly. Kirk Ashman (#92) answered with 3 straight goals for the Lions, one in the 1st and 2 in the second period for a 3-1 lead. Don Dechamps (#9) provided 2 assists.

Falcons pulled within one 20 seconds into the third period with another goal from Saverio Romano, assist from Lorne Donnelly. However the Lions extended the lead to 4-2 with Kirk Ashman's 4th goal of the game, 55th of the season. Saverio made it a one goal game once again late in the third with the hattrick, and league leading 66th goal.

Both teams finish with identical (10-9-1) records for 21 points, but the Lions finished 3rd by winning 3 of 4 against the Falcons this season.

The Lions will now face the Titans, and the Falcons will battle the Saints in the first round of the TPWHL playoffs starting on April 6th.

Saints Comes Back Again!

Photo by Esther Dzura

3/16/2013 - Lions vs Saints (Boxscore)

After last weeks tie vs Titans. The Saints Comes Back Again in a 3-3 tie against the Lions.

The Lions dominated the 1st two periods to lead 3-0 after 2 with 2 Goals from Kirk Ashman (#92) and 1 Goal from Don Dechamps (#9). Don also chipped in with 2 assists and Lori Edwards (#14) with 1.

However in the third period the Saints came back to score 3 Goals in a span of 2 minutes to tie the game with 2 Goals from Jerry Mariano (#76) and the tying Goal from Erin Vassilakos (#2). They nearly scored a 4th for the win but came up short. Anyway the comeback was even more impressive than last week!

With the tie, the Lions clinch the final playoff spot. This could be a potential 1st round match.

For complete stats & schedule visit the TPWHL website.

Panthers Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

Photo by Esther Dzura

3/9/2013 - Panthers vs Lions (Boxscore)

Panthers Keep Playoff Hopes Alive with a 2-1 Victory over the Lions.

With the win the Panthers pulled within 3 points of the 4th place Lions with 2 games remaining.

Jordan Lavoie (#21) opened the scoring for the Panthers at 9:29 of the first period. Don Dechamps (#9) replied for the Lions to tie the game at 1. Sandy McGrath (#57) answered with a late goal to give the Panthers at 2-1 lead after 1 period. The score would eventually hold up.

Brad Gordon (#7) Won his 7th game of the season.