The second and late game of Sunday evening saw the other Whalers team take on one of the Hawks’ teams. An excellently game that was fast paced from the start was most definitely all about the goalkeepers. Andrejs Maisaks, in goal for the Blackhawks, and Miceál O’Neill stole the show for each of their teams. This ultimately came down to which goalkeeper could hold out the longest as the forwards of each team peppered the opposing team’s net with shots. After the 1st period, the score was 0 – 0 with O’Neill stopping all 7 shots that the Blackhawks fired at him. The Whalers on the other hand squandered most of the chances they had by missing the net with their shots. However, Maisaks was well prepared for the three shots which were on target. It was a similar story in the 2nd period but this time it was the Blackhawks who could barely find the net managing only three shots on target. O’Neill stopped all three as he watched his players dominate proceedings in front of him. However, they were unable to convert any opportunities with Maisaks getting the better of them on all seven shots.
The score going into the 3rd period was 0 – 0. However, Vladimir Nizjolko was quick to open the scoring off a pass from Paul Cummins to give the Whalers the lead. The Whalers doubled their lead less than two minutes later through Mark Dunne with Stephen Hayes picking up the assist. In what was a jam packed opening six and a half minutes to the 3rd period, the Blackhawks pulled one back when Alex Staselovics managed scored with James Sorensen picking up the assist. The game went back and forth for the next few minutes with both teams picking up penalties including a Game Misconduct each. However, the Whalers finished out the scoring through Harry Maharaj with Paul Cummins picking up his second point of the night. An excellent game from start to finish and one which both teams can be proud of. I’m sure we all look forward to the next time these teams face each other.
Sun 7th Feb @ 11:00 pm – Blackhawks 1 – 3 Whalers (Dundalk Ice Dome)
Final Score: 1 – 3 (0 – 0, 0 – 0, 1 – 3)
SOG: 19 – 22 (7 – 3, 3 – 7, 9 – 12)
PIM: 34 – 30 (2 – 6, 0 – 0, 32 – 34)
Saves: Maisaks (19/22) – O’Neill (18/19)