Weather Change: Snipers Oust Tornados
Pro Division: Southside Snipers defeat Midwest Tornados in three.
The Tornados had the firepower, the best regular season record in all of PIHA, and the home rink advantage; however, the Snipers had the momentum and the jump. After defeating the Midwest Tornados in the final regular season game at Midwest Sport Hockey two weeks ago, the Snipers came together and the unbreakable Tornados showed a minor chink in the armor. After taking care of Chicago, the stage was set at Midwest Sport Hockey and both teams didn't disappoint.
Game #1 Snipers 3 Tornados 2 OT
Southside showed they were here to play with an early goal from Tommy Bruce and a bang-in from playoff-performer Zack Reis. The Tornados however fought back including a nice goals by Bill Scalise and Travis Fudge which led to overtime. In a back-and-forth overtime, PJ Tallo ended the first game with a pretty goal on Jake Menzel to give the Snipers a one-game lead.
Turning Point: PJ Tallo finds a clear lane on an amazing pass from Tommy Bruce and beats Jake Menzel low for overtime winner.
Game #2 Tornados 3 Snipers 2
It was do-or-die for the Tornados and Travis Fudge, Brandon Barnette, and Kyle Gouge stepped up to squeak the Snipers in a wild and physical game two that saw insane action at both ends. Nick Syrigos made the play of the game to setup the Brandon Barnette game-winner with just 1:53 to play.
Turning Point: Nick Syrigos swats Tommy Bruce's homerun pass intended for an open PJ Tallo down with his stick and sets up Brandon Barnette for the goal.
Game #3 Snipers 10 Tornados 5
For those expecting another low-scoring game, think again. PJ Tallo put on an early show to give the Snipers 2-0 lead; however, the Tornados fought back including a long bomb from Kyle Gouge to tie the game at two. A costly 4:00 minute penalty to Amir Shah led to two late first-period goals including the "goal of the year" when Tommy Bruce shot the puck with 3 seconds remaining from 120 feet away which eluded goaltender James Cash and hit the back of the net with .1 seconds remaining. The Snipers poured it on in the second half with numerous players getting on the scoreboard leaving the stunned Tornados in the dust.
Turning Point: With three seconds remaining in the first period, Tommy Bruce shoots the puck from near his own goaltender. The puck hits Mike Flieger's stick and ends up in the net with .1 seconds remaining to give the Snipers a 4-2 lead.
Twice Is Nice for Sniper Minor Pros
Snipers shutout Chicago Untouchables.
The Southside Snipers have been the team to beat this year in the Minor Pro Division and continued their dominance against the Chicago Untouchables who battled the Snipers hard all season long. The Untouchables struggled in Game #1 especially with a late injury to star Nick Winkler that put him out for the rest of the series. Zach Lane was tough in goal for Chicago, but the Snipers used a balanced attack and great goaltending to sweep the title.
Game #1 Snipers 4 Untouchables 0
Tim Hercules gave the Snipers the lead late in the first half on a power play and Southside never looked back. Great coaching from Steve Davies and Jimmy Owens allowed for balanced offense and solid defense leading to Patrick Woodling's first shutout of the night.
Turning Point: Snipers finally solve Lane late in the first period when Scott Hyde feeds Tim Hercules to get the boys on the board.
Game #2 Snipers 2 Untouchables 0
Lane once again was strong until Scott Hyde buried a huge goal for Southside. That was all the Snipers needed as MVP Patrick Woodling shut the door once again on the boys from the Windy City. An empty-net goal clinched the win.
Turning Point: A late Power Play chance for Chicago fails and Snipers end up with an empty-net goal.
Against All Odds: Southside wins AAA
Snipers take down Tornados in three games.
Coach Don Middendorf called it. All year he has been telling every man, woman, and child that the Southside Snipers are coming together in the AAA division despite a slew of tough losses. The Snipers delivered on their coach's word in three games to defeat the favored Midwest Tornados with scoring from Eric and MVP Kyle Middendorf, great play from youngster Ben Lawing, solid defense by Chad Abeln, and Jeff Borgers strong in net.
Game #1
The only high-scoring game of the night leads to the first Sniper win. Brothers Eric and Kyle Middendorf score a combined four first-periods goals.
Turning Point: Snipers come out on fire and put up four in the first.
Game #2
Tornados strike back with great goaltending by Matt Freeborn and a balanced offensive attack.
Game #3
Snipers take a goalie duel by the score of 3-1. The game was deadlocked at zero until Illinois-import Justin Patrick's bomb eluded goaltender Matt Freeborn. Kyle Middendorf added a pair of goals while Ryan McNorton tallied the lone goal for the Tornados.
