February 17th

Islanders Clinch League Points Title Again!

On Saturday Februray 17th the Kerry Park Islanders went into their final game of the season leading the leauge in points. They were looking for at least a tie against the Campbell River Storm to win the points title for the regular season. The game started off the the wrong foot for Kerry Park, with an Islander taking a penalty 12 seconds into the game, and Campbell River scoring a power play goal less than a minute later. The Islanders responded with a renewed effort, and took control of the game for the next few minutes of play. Wayne Twan had a big chance off of a face off, and the Islanders kept the pressure up. Campbell River was only left with the option on icing the puck untill the mid point in the period. The Islanders took another penalty, but successfully killed it off. A big effort by Twan on the penalty kill almost resulted in a Kerry Park goal, and drew a penalty for the Islanders. The Storm then took a second penalty, and Kevin Shillito scored the first goal for Kerry Park on the power play, assisted by Mike Posey. Just seconds later, a line brawl almost erupted as a Storm player ran an islander from behind into the boards. The hit resulted in a game ejection and a 5 minute major for the Storm, and a two minute minor for Islanders retaliation. Eleven seconds later Macdowell scored the Islanders second goal with a low glove side shot on the rush. The Islanders then took another penalty, resulting in 4 on 4 hockey. With 1:24 left in the period, Mike Posey scored the Islanders third, knocking in his own rebound after a pass from Bertuzzie.  Thirty five seconds late,r Bryce Balone got the Islanders 4th goal, assisted by Macdowell and Peters. The Islanders kept on the pressure for the last seconds of the period, generating more chances. Kerry Park went into the second leading 4-1.

In the first minutes of the second period Mike Posey received a breakaway pass, but was stopped by the Storm goaltender. The Islanders then took two penalties, but killed them off. Campbell River was far from silenced though, as a shot from the hashmarks beat Smiley top corner. Smiley remained strong in net, making an incredible kick save after diving across the crease. Keegan Young then led a big rush for the Islanders that almost generated another goal. Smiley proved his worth again, as he made a huge glove save sliding across the crease. The Islanders continued applying pressure to the Storm, and Mike Posey got a second breakaway that was barely stopped, with the rebound going off the post. In the last twelve seconds, Keegan Young received a penalty, but the Islanders were still in control leading 4-2. In between the period, the last regular season shot in the shoot to win went in the center, winning the grand prize.

The third period started with the Islanders working hard. The Islanders picked up their fifth goal on a tipped point shot. They took another penalty, but Smiley remained strong keeping the puck out of the net. Kevin Shillito, one of the Islanders veterans was carried off the ice by his teammates after injuring his knee on a hit. The Storm struck back with a breakaway goal that beat Smiley top shelf. With three minutes left in the game the Islanders took a penalty. Trevor Greco was very strong on the penalty kill, blocking three shots, and helping to preserve the Islanders lead. With one minute left on the clock, Campbell River called a timeout, and made the decision to pull their goalie. With one second left, Keegan Young scored an unassisted empty net goal, which would be the last goal in a impressive season for the Islanders. The crowd was singing as the defeated Storm went off the ice, and the Islanders celebrated. After captain Neil Doherty carried the league trophy to the team, the Islanders did a victory lap with fans reaching over the glass to touch the trophy. This is the Islanders second consecutive win of the regular season points title.

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