Official Press Release

2011 Playoffs

Glastonbury, CT June 8, 2011. ZRink - Killingworth Guppies Spring 2011 season

06/8/2011 -Wednesday night was an evening many in Killingworth had been waiting for about a year, when the Guppies lost last season Championship game. However, the crowd was confident that this would be the Guppie's Year "I've been camping out since Sunday night's (Semifinals) game just to make sure I was able to get a ticket. I didn't want to miss this game, Killingworth will be celebrating tonight!" explained Guppies fan Bart Keck. In the Guppie's locker room a calm focus filled the room. Most of these players had been to this stage before and were determined to capture the Championship.  However, The Saints came out flying, testing Joe Linskey (35 shots -34 saves) early on. Linskey was up to the test and made several great saves "Joe was the difference tonight, especially early on. It makes our job that much easier knowing he's playing so well." explained Guppies Assistant Captain Marc Crayton. However, the Saint's would eventually break through and beat Linskey, as J. Tantum (Jarome) fired a low hard shot eluding Linskey via the Five hole. The Guppies finally caught a break when the Saint's Tatum was called for pulling down Brian Blair, The Guppies went on the Power Play! Brian Kelly (0-1-1) carried the puck up the dek, cut in at the blue line, and fed a pass to Tim Poulin (4-0-4), Poulin would blast a shot into the Saint's net.  Thirty Seconds later Poulin would score again to give the Fish their first lead of the night. A lead they would never relinquish! The Guppies continued to push forward and it would pay off. With less than a minute left in the half, Linskey moved the puck to Dan Pequita (0-2-2), who then found Poulin for the Guppie's Third goal of the game. At the Half Guppies up 3-1.

The Saint's came out in the Second Half much like they did in the first and controlled the play. Linskey was again tested often but, it would prove to be no use. Asked to comment on Linskey play in the post game presser, Guppies Captain Brian Kelly, seemed to be unimpressed by Linskey "I'm not sure what the big deal is? He's suppose to stop the puck!". Linskey responded to Kelly comments "Does anyone remember the last time Kelly scored (a goal)? Talk about doing your job! I know one guy who isn't!". A guy that was doing his job.....Tim Poulin! With the Natural Hat Trick already to his credit on this night, T Po sniped a goal, short side high, for his Fourth!  Just over a minute later Keith Millen (1-0-1) fired a slap shot into the Saint's net for the final nail in the coffin. At this point, the celebration in Killingworth poured out of resident's homes and local gathering places into the Streets! "The Blue Mile" was hopping again after a long Four year wait! The game clock ticked down and the Guppies were again Champions!

The CT State Police reported only a few incidents of disturbance and there were no arrests during the celebrations on the Blue Mile. This was the Guppies 10th team Championship and their 8th at the ZRink since moving there in 2002! The victory captured the Guppies 4th Perfect Season all time, The last came in the Spring of 2005! As always thank you to the FANS for your support, see you this Summer..... Swim Guppies Swim!

SIDE NOTES:
- Injury Reports -Jason Zito (Upper body injury day to day)

- Brian Blair had the longest wait between Championships...13yrs! Blair was a member the Guppie's 1998 and 1996 Championship Teams in Waterbury.

- The Post Game Celebration in the parking lot was cut short as the mosquitos proved to be overwhelming. The Guppies went to the Diamond then Rookies to celebrate.

-Tim Poulin was named the Playoffs MVP (Conn Smythe Award)! Poulin scored 7 goals and 5 assists for 12points in three games. Poulin beat out Linskey and Rob Murphy for the honor.

BOX SCORES: