Back Row L=>R: Chris Malki, Joe Malki (C), Kamal Gill (MVP), Tyler Winstead, Mark Scelfo, Vance Morra, Craig Russell, Harsh Wanigaratne
Front Row L=>R: Danielle Franco-Morrison, Sean Kelly, Barbara Frey
It was (nearly) all Kamal in the first of a two part finale. Gill opened the scoring at 4:40 in the first, doubled the lead to 2-0 minutes later, then squashed any hope of a miracle comeback with the hat trick cake icing late in the third. Vance Morra rounded out the scoring with an early second period power play strike, and collected an assist on Gill’s first. Sean Kelly earned a second assist on Morra’s goal, and stopped 22/22 to take any and all pressure off an already loose and ready Tie Dye side. The 4-0 Tie Dye win meant an immediate rematch for all the marbles…
The marbles remained in question through nearly three full periods of play in the second game. Both Matt Henderson (16/18) and Sean Kelly (16/16) were strong, but Captain Joe Malki finally delivered the decisive gut punch with 1:08 to play, converting a Harsh Wanigaratne helper into the Cup-winning goal. That man Kamal got in on the act in this one, as well, sealing the deal with his fourth of the evening in the final half minute of play to clinch a championship for Tie Dye, and Final MVP honors for himself. The 2-0 win over Black completed a back to back sneak attack, capping a twist and turn season in thrilling fashion.
Back Row L=>R: Mark Nagy, Dan Jurgens, Jordan Pynn, Kayleigh Marsolini (C), Francois Bereaud
Front Row: L=>R: Adam Schindler, Ty Pereira, Matt Henderson, Jim LaGrossa, Trevor Marsolini
Not Pictured: Maureen Ruchhoeft