Sunday’s 7:20 game was a highly anticipated contest between the last two undefeated teams in the CIHL. The Lions were favored in this contest because of the outstanding goaltending of Mario Beaulac and the dominating play of Mark Paas and Robin Ripley, better known as Paasman and Robin, but only in the bars of Chiayi. These two guys have single-handedly driven their team to the top of the league. The Rhinos have relied on their top line of Mike O’neil, Drew Ross and newcomer Alex Whalen to do all the scoring while Andrew Tingley has played solid in between the pipes. This allows their top line to cover the opposing team’s defense at center ice. All of this was being considered by the twenty fans as the puck dropped for the early game.
The game opened with some really hard skating, probably because each team knew the ice was going to be crap real soon (Editor’s note; It’s still the best in Asia you ungrateful Paddy). The Lions opened the scoring on a controversial goal by Robin Ripley. It looked like a corner pass from Adam Collardey went off Ripley’s foot and into the net but when his honour was challenged, he actually admitted that it went off the Rhino defenseman. “Do everything-man” Dave Campbell was the on-ice official who made the call and stood by his decision. No Rhino player argued with Campbell because it’s just a fun game and we have to be thankful that these guys donate their time and ref for us even if it is shit sometimes. (Editor’s note; When asked for a comment, on-ice official Campbell stated, “Learn the rules Shamus McOversized-Leprechaun, there has to be a distinct kicking motion, but this rule is only about 10-15 years old. And while we’re at it, your name is spelled O’Neill, not O’neil, my spellcheck says so, and so does your email address”)
THEN!!! Mike O’neil broke in alone on Mario Beaulac and looked short side blocker but changed his mind and faked left then went right and waited, waited, and waited until he had an open net but from a tight angle, then potted it almost off the post. The crowd went wild, girls were jumping up and down, children were singing his name, and the choir started up with an orchestral version of Queen’s “We are the Champions”. The game was tied 1-1 with two and a half periods left in the game.
Then, O’neil was kind of like the goat (although the defense should have got it out) when the puck went high slot and O’neil stayed with his point and Ripley got his second of the game (this time deserving), assisted by Ryan Haynes. The Rhinos got that one back when hard-working winger Drew Ross sent a pass across the slot to O’neil who was parked at the side of the net, only to be intercepted by Alex Whalen who made no mistake and got his second of the season. O’neil got the assist after he threw the puck behind the net to start the play.
There was no scoring in the second period and in the third, the referees handed the Lions a powerplay and Ryan Haynes pounded home a rebound to make it 3-2 Lions. Tingley had to wonder where his defensemen were on the penalty kill. The Lions then relied on Beauluc to hold the lead as the Rhino top line pounded the goalie with fine play coming out of the corners. Roman MacNamara was awesome on the draws for the Lions and his Albino sidekick was sitting out this game due to a head injury. Got to love Roman, took out O’neil with a fine unintentional hit and then apologized. I love this league!
Roman MacNamara winning the draws.
The final stood at 4-2. After the game, a minor deal was made between the Rhinos and the Lions. Goalie Mario Beaulac traded a pair of skates (he said they were fast), to Mike O’neil for a small amount of cash effectively eliminating the middleman Geoff LeCren.
Three Stars
1 st Robin Ripley
2 nd Mario Beaulac
3 rd Ryan Haynes
