I have been playing as a spare for a roller hockey team in the VIHL (Vancouver Inline Hockey League – http://www.vihl.net).  Our team has great spirit and it it a positive environment.  That said, we finished 7th out of 8 teams in the regular season.   A few games ago there was one team, in particular, that seemed superior to us in every way, easily beating us 13-1.  This team is called the "Decepticons" (they have the cool decepticons insignia on their jerseys and everything!!).   We are "The Killer Bunnies".

 Anyways, we played the Decepticons tonight in the first game of the play-offs. (2nd place against 2nd last place).  We knew what we were up against and we had hope – but no illusions about our chances.  However, our team came out swinging with some early goals.  We were up 3-1 after the first half – which was about the best period of hockey we have played this year. We were skating and pressuring them to make mistakes – while our scorers were putting the puck in the net!.  With 2 minutes left in the game we were up 5-2 when they pulled their goalie for an extra attacker.  They scored 2 quick goals – then with 10 seconds left they took a slap-shot from centre that went in.  How disheartening.  But the game was not over yet. 

 Overtime:

After 3 overtimes we were still tied at 5.  The 4th overtime had us playing 3 on 3.  A few minutes in, our power defenceman Tim Poon ripped a shot from inside the blueline that caught the top corner… and…. we WON!!!  We beat the unbeatable— possibly the biggest upset in the division.

 This was a very satisfying victory both because we played well, and we played well as a team.  There was a synergy out there tonight that was truly a treat to be part of.

Next game Tuesday.. hopefully we can keep up the intensity!