Admirals slip at final hurdle
The West Auckland Admirals have had a promising season come to an end following a tough 2-0 loss to the Dunedin Thunder in the New Zealand National Ice Hockey Championship.
After beating their southern rivals 8-2 the previous night, the admirals needed to repeat the effort on Sunday night to book them a spot in the Birgel Cup final.
However the thunder, sitting in last place on the ladder and with nothing to lose, got on the board early in the first period and looked increasingly confident as the match went on.
Despite the scoreboard deficit, the admirals continued to move the puck well and create opportunities, out shooting their opponents 37-27.
However they failed to convert and no doubt missed the services of Ice Black Nick Henderson, who went down injured the previous night.
Dunedin Thunder import goalie Estonian Villem-Henrik Koitmaa, was immense for the home team, turning away all comers and denying the west Aucklanders the chance to get back into the contest.
The devastating loss unfortunately means the admirals finish third behind the Canterbury Red Devils who will now meet the Skycity Stampede in the second game of the finals on Friday night.
It was the thunder’s only home win of the season. The home side lifting for their outgoing stars, with key players Connor Harrison, Shaun Harrison and Guillaume Leclancher all leaving the club after this season.
The west Aucklanders sunk to the ice after the final whistle. It was a promising season and one that included the unlikely double over the tabletopping Skycity Stampede just one week before.
The admirals will still hold Toa Kauhanga Riri Tio, a Ranfurly Shield-style trophy that goes on the line each week, over the off-season for the second year in a row.
The west Auckland players will now turn their attention to the upcoming Skate Of Origin series which is being hosted in Avondale on September 3.
In the Birgle Cup Finals, if the third game is required, it will be in Queenstown on Saturday August 27th.