Bermuda Win 4th Consecutive Ball Hockey Game
Bermuda remained undefeated at the 2013 World Ball Hockey Championships, after defeating the Cayman Islands 4 – 2 in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada.
The team previously defeated Israel, Italy and Hong Kong.
Bermuda vs. Cayman is a rivalry that goes back a few years now. Bermuda was first to the arena and were welcomed by the head tournament organizers who said they had this matchup marked on their calendar and loved the rivalry.
Cayman has never beaten Team Bermuda and as a result they always bring a little extra to this match. Cayman, coming off their rest day, were eager to take it to Bermuda who have played tough matches for 4 days in a row.
After the ball dropped both teams tested each other early, Bermuda had a number of quality scoring chances but were denied by the goalie from Cayman. Then Bermuda ran into some penalty trouble and Cayman wasted no time in taking advantage. Pete Holowchuk blasted a slapshot from the point and with a screen in front, the Bermuda goaltender Yan Leclerc never saw it and the Cayman bench erupted with the 1 – 0 lead with 8:55 remaining in the first quarter.
The tables got turned early in the 2nd and Bermuda were awarded a power play of their own. With 12:39 remaining Cory Caouette received a pass from Tom Worthington-White and got control of the play in the Cayman zone, captain Chad Critchley and David Gazzard ran their routes perfectly, the lanes opened and Caouette delivered a perfect tape to tape pass to Gazzard waiting by the backdoor for the goal that leveled the score.
The match would stay tied until it was 6:31 remaining in the 2nd period when, with the man advantage again Cayman would strike again as Claude Plamondon scored.
Momentum is key in these heated matches and Bermuda needed someone to step up and deliver an equalizer. With only a minute left in the period veteran Bermuda defender Chris Coleman found a loose ball at center and charged into the offensive zone. He rifled a slapshot blocker side and with a Bermuda screen in front the keeper never saw it, the net bulged and Coleman had drawn Bermuda level yet again.
Tied going into the 3rd period Team Bermuda knew they had the legs to win the game and they really started to turn up the heat on Cayman. Shift after shift Bermuda pressed on and they would be rewarded for their efforts. With 6:12 remaining Caouette found Gazzard in the slot, he turned and fired on net and Captain Critchley deflected in the go ahead goal.
Far from over though the Bermuda team continued their assault and the always dangerous JM Tremblay received a face off win from linemate Cam Poland and blasted in another goal to all but seal the win. Cayman would get a late third period powerplay but the Bermuda penalty killers and goaltender shut the door.
Great report, well done Team Bermuda !
Way to got team Bermuda…looks like that new rink that got built up there in Spanish Point is paying off with wins under your belts!!