Official Press Release

Glastonbury, CT August 17, 2011. ZRink - Killingworth Guppies Summer 2011 season.

08/17/2011- Wednesday night the Guppies and Hurleys faced off in what was billed as a can't miss Epic Battle! The teams have often traded victories in this growing, and for the most part "clean", rivalry. As a packed ZRink waited in great anticipation for the battle to begin, several members of the Guppies were just arriving for the 10pm start. The Hurley's would take advantage of the Guppies shorten bench as Chris Gill dangled past the Guppies defense and beat Sammy the Goalie. Sammy was making his second appearance of season and he didn't disappoint, making several great saves! The Guppies fgot on the board when Dave Armenia (1-2-3) fired a shot intentionally wide of the net, creating a rebound off the boards. At the same time Rob Murphy (1-0-1) was skating through the slot and tip the puck into the Hurleys net. Seconds later Keith Millen (2-1-3) fired a shot past the Hurley's net minder for the Guppies first lead of the night. The Fish kept coming. This time it was Brian Kelly (0-2-2)  circling behind the net and finding Jon Stevenson (2-1-3) in the high slot. There were many questions on wether or not this shot actually hit Armenia's skate before going into the net. Stevenson admitted (after a few drinks at the Diamond) that he thought it hit Dave's skate. However, he later recanted his claim after learning the goal would be taken away from him. Armenia stated  "I don't know if it hit my skate?". Officials at the ZRink promised to launch a full investigation!..... Stay tuned.  Meanwhile, The Hurleys cut the Killingworth lead in half, before Stevenson floated another shot, Top Cheese, past a screened Hurley's net minder. Things got interesting towards the end of the Half, as Kelly and opposing player were exchanging cheap shots at each other during play. Eventually, both players were given Roughing calls. However, Kelly was tossed out of the game for PUSHING the other player. Kelly was obviously shocked by the ejection but stood firm on his actions "The kid was taking liberties and at some point enough is enough" stated Kelly in a post game interview.  After the storm clouds cleared the Guppies were up 4-2.

Armenia started things up again for the Guppies in the Second Half, when he redirected a Marc Crayton (1-1-2) shot into an empty net. Several observers, including Dave himself, concluded that the puck would've went in any ways. However, stealing a goal from Crayton makes Dave a hero in my book! After the goal, the Hurleys stepped up their play and started to take control of the game. However, Sammy the Goal stood tall in the Guppie's net and foiled them at every chance. The Guppies started to pull away when Mike Lagana (1-0-1) scored on a slap shot from the point. Millen and Crayton would would put the final nails in the coffin as they scored goals just over a minute apart. The Hurleys would add a late goal but, their fate had already been sealed at that point. Guppie win 8-3!

The Guppies finish their regular season next week with a Doubleheader. They face Zrink at 7pm then play ESPN at 8pm. Both games are important to the Guppies seeding for the Summer Playoffs. Hope to see you there!

SIDE NOTES:
- Tim Poulin was a Scratch Wednesday night

- Former Guppie, Shannon Blair, was in attendance Wed night. Shannon became the first woman to play for Guppies when she played Goal in the 1995 Hartford Whalers Alumni Tournament. She played in one game.

- No 30-Pack. The team went to the Diamond for some post game suds and a meet and greet session with the fans.

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