Comment 1:

Goalie Glimpse
Berserker's netminder Steven Vassallo stole the show for Newfoundland. Kelowna absolutley dominated in the third period, outshooting Newfoundland 16-4 in that time. While Steven gave up two goals during the frame, it would have been a lot worse if he had not been in net. The Knights were thirsty for blood, and Vassallo shut the door to give his team a chance in overtime. He did a very good job controlling rebounds throughout the period, only allowing 7 rebounds on 16 shots. The keeper saw the last 10 shots of the period, with his counterpart Luca Del Vecchio seeing his last shot of the third period with 11 minutes still to go in the game. once it came to the shootout, Vassallo allowed the winning goal, which slightly tarnishes his game, giving him a SOL. That point he fought for the Beserker's will be key if the team is fighting for standings later on in the year, and his teammates have him to thank.

Comment 2:

Rookie of the Game:
Rookie for the Knights Rocco Berni had an outstanding night. Early in the game he picked up his first assist of his young SMJHL career. Playing 11:44 for the Knights, he accumulated a +1 rating, winning 10 of 19 face offs as the Knights second line center. Berni threw one hit, and shot once. Perhaps Rocco's most impressive moment of the game was during the shootout, when he was called upon to take the second shot. The coach showed a lot of trust in Berni, as it is not often that a rookie would be trusted in that situation. Berni showed why he is a budding star in the league, sliding the puck past the netminder with a slick move after a qucik head fake to throw the goalie. This goal ended up winning the Knights the game, as no one else from either team scored. Teammates made sure to collect the puck so he could start his trophy case!

Comment 3:

Shot Block of the Game:
Late into overtime, Akria Ren of Newfoundland found himself looking at an empty net after a face off and spotty coverage left him open on the wing. Luckily for the Knights, Luciano Vessot, a top pairing defensman , sprawled over the ice to stop the shot with his body. With only 22 seconds left in the extra frame, this was a key stop that saved the game for the Knights. Teammate Kalevolaripaavo Kaspertommevisnapuu picked up the puck and turned it into a breakaway down the other way. His shot was stopped by Steven Vassallo, but the opportunity was created all thanks to the selfless play of Vessot. Luciano was seen limping off the ice with a grimace over his face, but some might have mistaken it for a smile, given that he had just kept the Knights in it, and almost given his teammate a chance to win the game in it's dying seconds.