| Winter 2006 Lower Med Playoffs | ||
| Round 2 |
vs. Ram Rod | (W) 2-1 |
| Semis Game 1 | vs. Storm | (W) 3-1 |
| Semis Game 2 | vs. Storm | (W) 4-3 |
| Championship Game 1 | vs. Knights | (W) 1-0 |
| Championship Game 2 | vs. Knights | (W-OT) 2-1 |
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Finally Bringing It Home
PENN HILLS, Pa. – While it was their sixth trip to the finals the Hammerheads had never brought home a championship. That is until yesterday.
Throughout the playoffs the #3 seeded Hammerheads seemed to spark in the third period, and Game 2 of the Winter 2006 Lower Med Championship against the #5 seeded Knights was no different. Down 1-0 going into the third center Matt Kazanjian, who played defense most of the playoffs, scored an improbable goal from the corner just 8 seconds into the period. The rest of the period, as was most of the game, remained a tight battle back and forth with close calls at both ends. Late in the period the Hammerheads killed a crucial Knights power play and minutes later the game reached overtime.
Again the Hammerheads would strike quickly.
Off the initial face-off, winger Dave Beer tracked down the ball along the far boards and was able to feed center Greg Teamman in front who put away the game winner, seeling the Hammerheads first championship.
It was fitting that Teamman would get the goal. He led the team tallying a goal in every playoff game, with a total of 6. Three of those were game winners.
Another key component of the championship run was goalie Melanie Stawartz, who posted a shutout in Game 1 of the championship and a 1.25 GAA during the playoffs. Unfortunately she was a healthy scratch for Game 2. Backup goalie, and center, Sean Sepe stepped in with a strong performance giving up just one goal.
The Hammerheads ran through the playoffs undefeated with a 5-0 record allowing their opponents only one multiple goal game. The impressive run was one in which every player was key in capturing the title.
On the offense, captain Glenn Callihan stood out in Game 2 of the semi-finals with a two goal performance. Wingers Pat Kent and Justin Dunmyre provided relentless forechecking and pressure helping keep the Hammerheads on the attack a majority of the time. Dave Beer provided a game tying goal in Round 2, while Sean Sepe had the game winner in Game 1 of the semis.
Defensemen Greg Cioffi, Matt Kincade, Ron Smykal and Matt Kazanjian were part of a stifling defense that allowed only 6 goals in 5 games. Smykal was a virtual wall at times blocking countless shots while Kincade provided a game winning goal in Game 2 of the semis.
To the fans. The Hammerheads would like to thank Julie, Jen and Diane for braving the elements to cheer the team on. Thanks also to all our family and friends for your support, encouragement and putting up with us in general.
And of course, we'll be back for the Spring Season!