Congratulations TEAM BERMUDA

2008 URT Fritter Cup Champions!

PLAYOFF UPDATES:

October 18, 2008

Finals:  Bermuda 6 - TCI 0 (Game MVP David Gazzard)

Bermuda took the large partisan TCI crowd out of this one six minutes into the contest with a snapshot goal from just outside the slot and didn't let their pedal off the floor.   Using a run and gun strategy that TCI had used successfully throughout the tourney Bermuda hemmed the TCI defense in their own end allowing their talented forwards to dictate play.  As the Salt Rakers wilted and injuries mounted penalties were inevitable.  The more experienced Bermudians took advantage and scored two more to close out the frame.   Needing a goal, TCI pushed forward early in the second attempting to get the crowd involved but two good saves by the Bermuda goaltender stemmed the tide.  After Bermuda notched their fourth and fifth on a deflated TCI squad the rout was on and only the shutout was in question.   A late goal post was as close as TCI got to scoring.  As the buzzer sounded, a gracious crowd rose to their feet in appreciation of the champion Team Bermuda squad and to salute the good tournament by their hometown hockey stars.

Consolation:  Barbados 3 - BVI 2

A tired Barbados team knew they had to hop on a rested BVI team early and didn't disappoint.   Quality movement from their own end created space for their forwards who were able to talley two quick goals.   With a third goal that seemed to surprise the BVI goaltender it looked like Barbados was going to run away with this one.   Despite the slow start, BVI looked more organized than they ever had during the URT and hit their stride with two successive goals that forced Barbados to play a strong defensive second period under heavy pressure from the BVI forwards.  The third marker never came from BVI but this tournament experience will undoubtedly prove valuable in the future.  Barbados has a URT win to take with them back to their ball hockey-crazed island.

Semi #1: TCI 3 - Barbados 1 (Game MVP Bruno Vallieres)

A night of fun didn't slow down the intensity in this one as both teams took turns chipping balls out defensively and chasing on the offensive end.  The TCI attack was relentless early on in the first frame which required several outstanding stops from the Barbados keeper.   A close range rebound for TCI helped get them on the board midway through the frame but the gritty Barbados team wasted little time turning up the heat as the table turned quickly on a penalty call and subsequent tick-tack-toe scoring play on the powerplay.   TCI continued to crash the net and run down balls as the first period drew to a close which led to a hardnosed goal off a lucky bounce.    Barbados carried much of the play in the second after a couple penalty calls took them back to their effective powerplay.  TCI's goalie again stemmed the tide and limited rebound opportunities.  Several late dumps and a more defensive style helped TCI to run time down with only a late empty-netter being added.  TCI has a ticket booked for the finals.

Semi #2: Bermuda 5 - Barbados 3 OT (Game MVP Chris Merrit)

This game was perhaps the greatest display of great, clean hockey that the URT has ever seen.   Bermuda jumped out of the gate early with their ever-potent offense leading them to a 2-0 advantage.   Great penetration and a wonderful passing play took things to 3-0 on a suddenly weary looking Barbados squad.   But wait ... a quick slapshot from the Barbados defense got the ball rolling on what was going to be a wild second period. Neither team took any time in the penalty box despite hard board-work by both offenses.   Led by the crafty play of their captain, Barbados began chip away on the time of possession advantage once owned by Bermuda.  Two quick talllies and fans were in for a great ending.  Both goaltenders came up with some brilliant stops during the ensuing play but both teams settled into a more defensive frame of mind for the final six minutes and regulation ended at 3-3.  It took a hard low shot on a partially screened Barbados goalie to make the difference in OT.  Barbados gave 100% effort until the final whistle but a late empty netter sealed their fate and an elated Bermuda team was headed to the finals to meet TCI.

BVI 3 - Bermuda 8 (Game MVP Trevor Angus)

This game was a closer one than the scoreboard indicated.  BVI worked Bermuda around the floor for the first half with bombs being taken from various angles on the floor which led to three goals.  The slick passing Bermuda offense continued to move the ball with an unrelenting style which occasionally makes it look like they can score at will when not pressured.   Bermuda's confidence never wavered even as a BVI scored on a longer shot to tie things at 3-3 approaching the end of the first stanza.

Bermuda's skilled players took over in the second frame as BVI seemed to tire.  Two beautiful Bermuda snap shots in quick succession took this one out of reach.  BVI's attack was strong throughout and kept the Bermuda D on their heals at times but their shot count was limited to single digits - a credit to the Bermuda team.  Bermuda versus Barbados round 3 in the semi finals.  Ring the bell and let's get it on!

ROUND ROBIN UPDATES:

October 17, 2008

TCI 2 - Bermuda 2 (Game MVP Bruno Vallieres)

The early morning contest resulted in TCI carrying the early play bolstered by the strong play of their goalie.  Bermuda took a while to get started after a night of good clean fun.   TCI hit the score sheet mid way through the first  period as a defensive breakdown led to some disorganized play in front of the Bermuda goal.  TCI built on their lead late in the first frame on a pretty shorthanded tip-in marker.  The second period was a tale of Jekyl and Hyde for Bermuda.   As emotions grew they began to take the play to TCI and a deflection snuck into the TCI goal.  As Bermuda turned up the pressure only the TCI goalie kept them at bay.   After the teams traded a couple of quality scoring opportunities a last minute face off loss turned out to be costly for TCI as a blast from the point found the twine to tie things at 2.

BVI 1 - Barbados 6 (Game MVP Gilles Gosselin)

Looking to avenge their loss to Bermuda from the prior night, BVI came out looking stronger.  BVI's goalie (a Barbados transplant) also looked to spark the BVI fire with some excellent goalkeeping early on in the contest.  As the slick passing Barbados team patiently looked to catch their stride, BVI played the role of opportunist and kept the Barbados goalie on his toes with shots from every angle.  As the first period wore on Barbados gained confidence and entered the half with a hard fought 2-1 lead.  BVI definitely still looked like they could play spoiler with a period to go.  The second period saw a well-rehearsed Barbados team pepper their friend in the BVI goal and they scored 4 unanswered goals to put things out of reach.

Barbados 4 - Bermuda 3 (Game MVP Peter Little)

This classic matchup consisted of 4 lead changes.  Bermuda opened up the scoring on a beautiful passing play midway through the first.   The defenses tightened up as play went on but the Barbados attack proved unstoppable early in the second and they were rewarded with a tying goal.  Barbados' goalie had another fine game between the pipes and had to handle the waves of Bermuda attackers midway through the second.   A powerplay goal righted-the-ship for Bermuda and as their confidence grew they put Barbados on their heals and were rewarded with a third goal.  A credit to Barbados' will to win they chipped away at the Bermuda defense and scored late goal that seemed to assure the tournament's third tie.   BUT - as time drew to a close a last second slapshot from centre seemed to surprise the normally cool handed Bermuda keeper and the goal gave Barbados a huge 4-3 lead sending them to the top of the tournament table.

TCI 7 - BVI 2 (Game MVP JP Cloutier)

A quick goal by BVI gave the home crowd something to worry about early in this contest and tested the Salt Rakers' metal. Two great plays by TCI forwards and a sintulating slap shot from the defense on a powerplay seemed to put the TCI bench at ease. Their pressure wore on the BVI defense and as the first stanza ended TCI found themselves up 5-1.  A quick marker by BVI let the everyone know that they were not going to go away without a fight.  TCI passing and speed led to successive penalties by BVI in the second half.  The Salt Raker's increasingly-potent offense went to work and put the game away with a couple quick power play markers.  

October 16, 2008

Barbados 2 - TCI 2 (Game MVP Scott Sparks)

Backed by a good crowd TCI carried much of the play in the first half but was unable to tally a goal until late.  The quick counter-attacking style of Barbados tied things at one quickly after.  The Salt Rakers forced the play attacking the Barbados defense and this led to a goal midway through the final frame.  A rash of penalties by TCI in the final minutes of the contest created several opportunities for Barbados to score.  They were sure to take advantage and did displaying great poise with a little over one minute remaining in the game.  Only a spectacular stop by the TCI goalie with virtually no time remaining on the clock helped TCI escape with a 2-2 tie.

Bermuda 13 - BVI 2 (Game MVP David Gazzard)

Bermuda was slow out of the gates, probably the result of a long day of travel, but it didn't take them long to find their legs on a seemingly stunned BVI team.  Bermuda showed excellent play making ability throughout the contest and demonstrated why they are expected to be the class of this year's Ultimate Road Trip.   The crowd was treated to a great display of clean hockey with both teams limiting their time in the penalty box.   BVI is expected to improve throughout the tourney as the mixed Caribbean team begins to adapt to one another's styles.

RULES UPDATES:

Each team must limit the number of under-30 year olds on each game roster to 3.  Teams may have as many under-agers on their team as they want but only 3 are eligible to suit up per game.

Snapshots in Paradise?

Gazing out over the turquoise waters of our ocean paradise and cooling your feet in the the white sands of Grace Bay beach instantly takes you to a place of complete tranquility.  All you hear is the sound of waves dancing, flip flops clapping and beers opening in orchestral succession.    Does that sound too difficult? You then realize you're here to play the game you love.  Say what?  Ahhhhhhh ... Perfect.

 

You wanted it back, you got it baby!

The Ultimate Road Trip has already set a standard for ball hockey competition, comradery and fun.   It will blow away all your expectations.

Dates: October 16 – 19, 2008 (Games Scheduled October 16-18, 2008)

Location: Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands

Check out what Bob Beatty, Referee-In-Chief of the ISBHF, had to say about his prior visits to the Ultimate Road Trip - CLICK HERE.