|
|
Official Press Release |
Glastonbury, CT June 23, 2004. ZRink - Killingworth Guppies Spring 2004 season.
6/23/04 - The Killingworth Guppies faced off for their fifth Team Championship since 1995, In their fifth straight Championship game appearance since moving to the Z-Rink in 2002. The Guppies won their first Championship in the Summer of 1996 and their Last Championship in January of 2003. In that time their have been a lot of Wins and a few missed opportunities but Wednesday night they were all on the shelf. The Guppies were short handed as "Team Old Guy" was unable to attend the game, however the Blu Baz were also short handed as several of their players were serving suspensions from their semi-finals game. The Baz would score first as they scored on their first shot of the game, Looking Good Linskey!! The Guppies answered the Baz tally only seconds later as Jason Zito (2-1-3) scored his first of the night. Dan Pequita (3-1-4) would give the Gupps the lead for good as he scored his first of three on the night. Only moments later Tim Poulin (2-1-3) scored to Give the Guppies control of the game. The Guppies continued to shoot on the Baz netminder T. Frankowski but he was equal to the task. At one point the Guppies had 26 shots on goal but only three had beaten Frankowski. "He (Frankowski) was great tonight and help them stay in the game" stated Poulin. Rob Murphy (1-2-3) would give the Guppies the three goal lead with seconds remaining in the Half.
In the Second, the Guppies continued to control the play despite only having one more player than the Blu Baz. Brian Kelly (1-4-5) kept the Baz on their heels as he shot a ball off of Poulin, for Tim's second goal of the night. As the Guppies controlled the play it was apparent that the Baz were running out of gas. Zito added another nail in the coffin as he buried a pass from Kelly. The Guppies could smell blood in the water as they swarmed in the offensive zone, leading to Marc Crayton's goal midway through the Second Half. With the Championship well in their grasp Pequita added two more goals and Kelly scored his 11th of the season. The Party started in Killingworth early as it was clear that the Guppies were on to Victory. These fans were ready for a party after two heart breaking loses last season.
At the Route 80-81 circle there were people celebrating at the commuter parking lot. The CT Resident State Trooper reported several small incidents as of press time. "I think everyone is just having a good time and enjoying the moment" stated an unidentified fan. The area in front of the Killingworth Shopping Village on Route 81 looked to be the biggest party area. Several Fans were holding up signs stating that this area had become "The Blue Mile". Comparable to Calgary's "Red Mile" on 17th Ave. Along the "Blue Mile" traffic was unable to pass and was rerouted down Green Hill Road. One Commuter seemed to be unfazed by the celebration " I'm Happy they won! The Guppies have been an inspiration to me since I saw their first Championship back in 1996".
The Guppies will also be playing in the Z-Rink Ball-B Summer season. The Season is schedule to start during the first week of July. Until then the Fans and players will celebrate as the Guppy Lore continues to Grow!!
SIDENOTES:
-Scratches: Brian Mulcahy; Mike Halle, John Carroll, and Dave Armenia
- Retired Guppies Defenseman Tom Mierkiewicz spoke with several Guppies players during their post game celebration. Tom is currently working in NYC but has not ruled out a return to the Guppies in the future.
- The Guppies had a season High in Shots For during the Championship Game. The Guppies took 55 shots on net during the game. However, Guppies netminder Joe Linskey said "I face that many shots from (Tim) Poulin during warm-ups." Linskey gave up two goals on twelve shots.
- The Guppies Championship Parade is schedule to be on Saturday June 26th at 9am. The Parade route will start at Sheldon Field then go up Route 80 to Route 81 and then end at the Killingworth Elementary School.
BOXSCORES:
First Half:
18:04 - Goal - Zito (Murphy, Kelly)
14:49 - Goal - Pequita (Zito)
12:51 - Goal - Poulin (Crayton)
:48 - Goal - Murphy (unassisted)
Second Half:
17:51 - Goal - Poulin (Kelly)
15:08 - Goal - Zito (Kelly, Crayton)
10:26 - Goal - Crayton (Pequita)
4:19 - Goal - Pequita (Poulin)
3:11 - Goal - Kelly (Crayton, Murphy)
1:13 - Goal - Pequita (Kelly)
Shots on Goal:
Guppies: 55
Blu Baz: 12