December 13, 2005 > Tournament Final slips out of our hands

Due to our tournament schedule this was a must win game, the loser of this match would not make the finals.

The Portland Jr. Hawks started out strong and scored a quick goal but the Santa Clara Blackhawks showed some character and quickly responded with a goal scored by winger Oliver Takacsi-Nagy, assisted by Adriana Durst. Before the end of the first period center Gavin Rea drew an important penalty and Anthony Corini scored on the power play, assisted by Brandon Shank. Unfortunately Portland quickly tied the game: the first period ended 2:2.

Santa Clara regained the momentum in the second. Oliver scored two breakaway goals (unassisted) to make it a 4:2 hockey game. Portland responded again from a power play and the game was tied again. Just before the end of the second period Santa Clara increased its lead once more from a power play goal by Oliver, assisted by Schuyler Krawczuk. The second period ended 5:3.

At that point everybody thought that this game was our to win: aimed with a two goal lead we could play safe, didn't need to rush or force plays and let our opponent make mistakes out of their desperation to win. It happened otherwise. As a result of defensive breakdowns on our side and a strong and disciplined effort from Portland they managed to score four goals in the third period and win the game 7:5.

Goaltender Lauri Takacsi-Nagy showed good effort and saved 22 of 28 shots.