The second annual Caribbean Cup was a success, say organisers. Marked by tough, competitive games, it proved to be a nail-biter until the end. In the Thursday night tournament opener, Cayman came out strong with a 9-1 victory over newcomers Barbados. Turks and Caicos and Bermuda played in the later game with Bermuda winning 4-2. The dynamic had changed from the earlier year, Turks returned this year as a much improved squad, ready to fight for every game.
On Friday, Cayman went on do defeat Turks and Caicos, then play to a 1-1 draw with defending champs Bermuda. In order to determine playoff seeding between the evenly matched Cayman and Bermuda, officials had to count goals for, which were even. Resorting to counting goals against, Cayman let in 1 less goal over the first 3 games, which placed them as the number one seed into the playoffs.
In the playoff games, Cayman beat Barbados in a much more evenly matched game while Bermuda won against Turks and Caicos, ensuring a chance to defend their title.
This set the stage for a Barbados vs. Turks consolation with a Cayman vs. Bermuda final.
Barbados made the necessary changes and it paid off. They won their first game in the consolation against Turks and Caicos giving them a third place finish in the tournament.
The crowds and media started gathering at the Kings center for the much anticipated final game between the home town Cayman team and the defending Bermuda champs. A year earlier these same teams battled in the final with Bermuda scoring the winning goal with 1:32 left in the third period.
This year, the first period ended in a scoreless draw. The anticipation was building while fans lined the entire rink banging on the glass with every near goal. Bermuda came out strong in the second period with two unanswered goals. Cayman regrouped and attacked Bermuda in the final period. Their defence and goaltending held without a crack under intense pressure until 1:52 remained. Cayman crashed the net with Al Gransch scoring to come within one while the fans went nuts. The final minute was even more intense as Cayman pulled their goalie for the extra attacker. The final buzzer went while Cayman players were circling the Bermuda net and peppering the goalie with shots from every angle. A heartbreaker for Cayman, and another championship for strong team Bermuda.
All the players met on Saturday evening to watch as visiting ISBHF (International Street and Ball Hockey Federation) Vice President Tony Ianitto presented Bermuda with the Caribbean Cup at Davy Jones Locker.
Ken Moore from Davy Jones Locker also presented Team Cayman with a cheque for their efforts to go to the worlds. The new sports bar located in Grand Harbour then served up cold beer and hot food while all the players shared experiences about their home countries.
Team Cayman starts training this Saturday for their attendance at the worlds June 13-18 in Pittsburgh.
Both Cayman and Bermuda will attend this high profile event where 16 countries from around the world will be competing for world title from the defending Canadian team. Please visit www.isbhf.com for more information on the upcoming worlds.
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