Official Press Release

Glastonbury, CT September 6, 2011. ZRink - Killingworth Guppies Summer 2011 season.

09/06/2011- It was a rare Tuesday Night affair for the Guppies as they faced off against the Avalanche in the "Upper Division" Semi-Finals. The Avs were without their netminder J. Mesko to start the game. They used their time-out to delay the start of the game in the hopes to get their goalie out for the start. However, they ran out of time and the Guppies took advantage as Tim Poulin (4-3-7) scored two quick empty netters. Mesko arrived soon after and the Avs tried to play catchup....something they did all night. The Guppies kept coming as Poulin and then Keith Millen (3-1-4) scored to give the Fish a commanding 4-0 lead. The Guppies defense was solid, buying into (for the most part) a "Defense First" type of system. Brian Watson (the Guppies fill-in netminder) was untested early but, made key saves when called upon. At one point, the play got chippy, as an Avs player ran Poulin then proceeded to go after Guppies Assistant Captain Rob Murphy (0-2-2). Murphy was bewildered by the altercation and the penalty call which followed "I just told him to Calm down." The Avs player didn't take Murph's advice which landed both players in the box. The Avalanche got into penalty trouble which hurt their attempts to get back into the game. Tim Poulin would make them pay, as he scored again, making it a 5-0 Guppies lead at the Half.

The Guppies struck again early in the Half as Poulin assisted on Millen's Second goal of the game. Up 6-0 the Guppies started to go on cruise control and the Avs jumped on the opportunity to get back in the game. The Avalanche had stepped up their play and were swarming in the Guppies zone. Watson, who had a quiet First Half, was now standing on his head to keep the Guppies in the game. However, the Lanche made it 6-2 as the Guppies and their fans became nervous that a Avalanche comeback was in full swing. Mills scored to stop the bleeding but the Avs answered quickly to stay within striking distance. The Avs looked to get closer but Watson shut the door, time and time again! Mike Lagana (1-1-2) and Brian Kelly (1-1-2) scored late goals to put the final nails in the coffin. The Guppies swim on to the Finals!

The Finals are LATE!! Apparently the ZRink is trying to appeal to their Hawaiian fans as the start time for the Championship Game is 11pm!! For everyone else.....get your naps in!

SIDE NOTES:
- Jon Stevenson and Dan Pequita were Scratches Tuesday night.

- The Playoff schedule was thrown into turmoil from Hurricane Irene which delayed the Semi-Finals to tonight and moved the start time for the finals from 8pm to 11pm Wednesday night.

- The Guppies will play in their 17th Championship game Wednesday night and will be looking for their 11th Team Championship since 1995.

- The Guppies were in agreement about the quality of Reffing for Tuesday nights game. One of the best reffed games of the season, with the Refs actually explaining calls and rules....impressive stuff!

- The Guppie's post game was moved indoors because of the rain Tuesday night. Weird!? You'd figure Guppies would like the water?

BOX SCORES: