Official Game Summary

Glastonbury, CT September 9, 2007. ZRink - Killingworth Guppies Summer 2007 season.

09/09/2007- Sunday Night the Guppies and Ball Smashers skated onto the dek to decide the Summer 2007 B-League championship. The two teams had met twice this season splitting a pair of 4-3 games. The Zrink was packed as these two teams played the rubber match for Hockey Greatness! As in the prior two games this contest would shape up to be a hard fought low scoring affair. Dan Pequita (1-0-1) got the Guppies on the board first, after receiving a great pass from Tim Poulin (0-1-1).  The Guppies continued their attack on the Smashers net but their netminder was equal to the task. "He's the Best Goalie we faced all season" stated Guppies forward Marc Crayton (0-1-1).  The Ball Smashers finally beat  Joe Linskey late in the half to tie the game at one. Things turned ugly for our would be heroes when Keith Millen and Rob Murphy (2-0-2) were called for separate penalties with 4:57 remaining in the half.  The Guppies managed to keep Smashers at bay for most of the 4-2 penalty kill as Joe Linskey was tested several times "Linskey made some huge saves, he played great tonight" stated Guppies defenseman Mike Halle. The Ball Smashers finally converted on their two man advantage and took their first lead of the game. Despite being out shot the Smashers held the 2-1 lead at the half.

In the Second Half the Guppies swarmed the Smashers net as if someone had dropped some fish food into their bowl, It was a feeding frenzy folks! However, for all their efforts the Guppies couldn't manage to get the tying goal. Finally, their hard work paid off as the Guppies were awarded a Power Play. During the man advantage the Guppies moved the puck around well, eventually Brian Kelly (0-1-1) found Murphy at the blue line. Murphy took the pass and fired it into the upper left corner of the net. The game was tied at 2!  In the waning moments of the Second Half both teams traded great scoring opportunities but Overtime would be needed to settle this epic battle.

In OT the Guppies controlled the game again. However, the Smasher's Miller brothers made some impressive end to end rushes but were foiled by Linskey every time.  Late in the Overtime Crayton and Brian Mulcahy (0-1-1) were working the puck down low in the Smashers zone. At one point Mulcahy saw Murphy open at the point and passed the puck to him. Murphy fired a low shot that was deflected in front of the net. The puck rose and hit underneath the cross bar and fell into the net behind the goal line .......GUPPIES WIN, GUPPIES WIN!  Murphy's 9th goal of the season was by far his biggest. The Zrink Shook as the Guppies celebrated at center ice.

The Town of Killingworth is planning to have yet another Championship parade on Saturday 9/22 start time is 11am. The parade route will go from Sheldon Field on Route 80 up to Town Hall on Route 81.  The CT State Police reported no arrests along the famed "Blue Mile" in Killingworh.

SIDE NOTES:

- Guppies had a full Roster Sunday night

- Sunday's victory earned the Guppies their 9th Championship in the club's 12 year history. It also the first back to back (Guppies won the Spring 2007 title) Championships in Killingworth since 2004.

- Finally!! The Guppies win a Championship game in Overtime! The Guppies have lost three prior times in Championship games before Sunday night's victory.  Things are looking up!!

-Swimming into the Bay: While the Guppies skate into the off season some players have agreed to skate with fellow B league participants Thunder Bay!  Keith Millen, Tim Poulin, and Jason Zito have all signed contracts with TB. Good luck Guys!

- Relive the Summer 2007 Championship Season on the Summer 2007 Home Page

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