The game was tight through two periods, with neither team taking clear control of the proceedings. We had more scoring chances but we entered the third tied at two. That was when we stepped on their necks and didn't let off. Three quick goals - two from Dane Ludolph and one from Joe Dusbabek - to start and we had them on the ropes. Dan Comrie, the human highlight reel, earned a penalty shot a few minutes later, pulled a dirty Pavel Datsyuk-esqse flip shot out of his deep bag of tricks, and put the contest to bed.
Great performances from all our team. We gelled right away and ran the table without defeat. Those of us that have been coming to this tournament for years only to come up just shy of title (this is number eight for your intrepid blogger) particularly relish this win. We just wish a few more of our longtime teammates who couldn't make it this time could have joined in the victory. There's always next year. (Though there will likely be fewer open spots on the roster next year.)
In other news:
Highlanders named to the All Tournament Team were forwards Dan Comrie (who I'm pretty sure led us in scoring) and Nathan Sigmund, as well as goalie Pete Nordell. The Tournament MVP was none other than Nathan Sigmund, or The Backbone of the Highlanders. Nathan contributes "atbothendsoftheice" with an energy level that is only surpassed by his incredible talent with the puck. We are lucky to have him in our squad, and there is a pro team somewhere in Europe or North America that is worse off without him.
More posts to come later in the week when we get home and sort through the video clips. Stay tuned.