Bermuda Win 5th Consecutive Ball Hockey Game

Bermuda remain undefeated at the 2013 World Ball Hockey Championships, after beating Great Britain 4 – 0 in Newfoundland, Canada.

The team has previously defeated the Cayman Islands, Israel, Italy and Hong Kong.

Great Britain is an experienced team with many familiar faces for Bermuda, the two teams have battled for a few World tournaments and whilst Bermuda has had their number the last few Worlds they still could not forget the heartbreaking shootout loss to them in Germany in 2007.

This was a huge game for Bermuda as a win would secure a birth into the Gold Medal match on Sunday. Early in the first period Bermuda experienced a major setback when veteran defender Chris Coleman hobbled back to the bench with a hamstring pull.

Cory Caouette would calm the Bermuda bench down with a fantastic solo effort which put Bermuda up 1-0 just minutes into the game. Bermuda, perhaps due to tired legs, were unable to finish on many opportunities the rest of the period.

In the second period Bermuda were awarded a powerplay and after a hard slapshot from the point, Bermuda’s big bodied forward Cam Poland batted in the rebound in front. Bermuda would take a 2-0 lead into the third period knowing there was still a lot of work to be done.

Fortunately hard work paid off early in the third period and JM Tremblay was taken down in the offensive zone and was awarded a penalty shot – arguably the most exciting play in hockey. Tremblay confidently trotted to center and at the referees whistle made his way in on the Great Britain goalie. He made a series of moves and deposited the ball into the back of the net and returned to an elated and perhaps even relieved Bermuda bench.

With a 3-0 lead Bermuda pressed hard for the remainder of the period and thanks to solid goaltending from Yan Leclerc who made 27 saves, refused to allow Great Britain into the game. Late in third period Cam Poland received a hard bodycheck into the boards but the referees turned a blind eye to the play. Rather than retaliate Poland gained possession of the ball and blasted a top corner shot above the glove hand of the Great Britain goalie.

Bermuda coasted to their 5th consecutive win of the tournament and is the only B Pool undefeated team now and has earned their spot in the Gold Medal match on Sunday.

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