Indians force overtime but not enough to win

Sunday July 27, 2008

The Indians battled the Mohawks last night in game one of the QSLL finals. Jon Kane gave the Indians an early lead with his first of three goals at 29 seconds. Mohawks' Tontie McComber replied at 2:45 to tie the game and the score would remain the same (1-1) after one period. One thing is certain, you could feel the intensity. Both teams playing in front of their own community.

Louis Alfred gave his team the lead at 2:49 into the second period but this would be shortlived as Indians' Ben Green scored 4 seconds later. Game was tied again at 2. Both teams exchanged goals to tie it at 3 but Mohawks' Chris Konopliff netted one at 17:04 and Mohawks took a one goal lead at the second intermision, Winston Goodleaf missing an open net at 1 second.

Regrettably, an incident at the end of second period got everyone at the edge of their seat when Jon Kane sent Colin Diabo to the floor with a 5 minute major (highstick). Diabo was taken to hospital for examination. Jon and the entire Indians' organisation wish Colin and his family all the best and prompt recovery. Of note, Jon Kane got a one game suspension.

Mohawk's Al Jones took matter out of his own hands and scored twice at 8:24 and again at 12:28 in the third to give his team a 3 goal lead. For those of you who think the game was called for at that point, think again. With less than 5 minutes left in the game, the Indians made a spectacular comeback with goals from Eddy Dickson at 16:39 and Jon Kane's second and third of the evening at 17:12 and 19:55. The game was again tied for the fourth time and a 10 minute overtime was forced by the Indians. This last goal came after coach Stacey called a timeout with 27 seconds left in the game and 24 seconds left on the shotclock. Stacey pulled his netminder Fortier to overload Mohawks defenders. It paid off. 

Pumped, the Indians intended of taking this game and gave everything. But faith chose otherwise. Kaniat Deer hit the post and Kevin Cator missed a breakaway shooting wide on Ben Vanevery. As in most sports, when you miss your chance, the opponent takes the advantage. That's exactly what happenned, Louis Alfred and Chris Konopliff  burried one each at 5:33 and 6:28 of the overtime and Mohawks took game one.

The Indians had the same number of occasions as the Mohawks with 51 shots. The difference lies on the powerplay goals. Mohawks capitalised on 4 occasions and the Indians only twice. Both teams had 1 shorthanded goal. All this to say that any of these two teams have a chance to win. This is what makes this series exceptionnally interesting and fans enjoyed every minute of it.

Game #2 of this best of 7 finals will be held on Tuesday night at 8 as the Indians host the Mohawks. We hope to see you in great numbers to support the Indians in their battle for the 2008 championship.