Youth hockey in the Cayman Islands is rolling into its playoff stretch.
The Youth Roller Hockey League was in full swing this past weekend at Kings Sports Centre, as the competition gears up for the December playoffs. Currently in their seventh week, the teams are starting to show their playoff colours, with team cohesiveness across the various age divisions.
In the Peewee league the Vampt Oilers found redemption, rebounding from their slump to defeat the Appleby Sharks 7-3. Although going down early in the game, the Sharks were able to rally a third period comeback attempt netting their three goals in the final period.
The KPMG Senators and Stuarts Panthers entertained fans in the second Peewee match-up with an action-packed game. The match was a hockey-lover’s dream with several lead changes, dynamic saves, physical defence and loads of highlight-reel worthy goals.
Coming into the final minutes of regulation, the Panthers were two goals behind and resembled an offensive war-party, bringing waves of attacks against the Senators defence and eventually cutting the deficit in half in the final minute. The Senators’ efforts proved triumphant however. Panthers forward Sam Stainrod’s final attempt off Leon Domladis’ centre pass hit the post in the final second of regulation, ending the 7-6 contest in favour of KPMG.
In the Atom league, the Conyers Canucks have backed up their number one ranking with a 5-3 victory over the second ranked WestStar Wild. Both teams have been on a hot-streak since returning from the mid-term break. Meanwhile the Eats Blazers secured their win with a nail-biting 8-7 final over the Ernst and Young Eagles. The Atom league has blossomed in a competitive environment and the coming weeks should bring some intense action as the teams gear up for the December playoffs.
After defeating the Dart Ducks in week six, the PWC Lightning continued their winning ways in the Novice segment with an 11-6 final over the MaplesFS Jets. Although making a late game comeback, the Jets were unable to close the early game deficit. Game two on the day saw the Walkers Blue Iguanas and Dart Ducks battle to a 5-5 draw. The Blue Iguanas have been one of the most improved teams so far this season and look to be a force to be reckoned with come playoff time.
The 2012 January Learn-to-Skate programme officially kicks off on Saturday, 7 January and this year’s programme is set to be one of the largest yet. The initiative is the precursor to the hockey leagues and the driving force behind the sport’s growth. The league is poised to add two teams per division through 2012, bringing each of the core divisions to six teams.
Parents interested in registering their son or daughter for the next learn-to-skate or youth hockey programme should act quickly. League games play each Saturday at Kings Sports Centre from 7.45am-4.30pm.
For more information email Ray Singh at [email protected].
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