Ashley’s Hopslam (1-1) controlled the entire game, topping the Ice Men 3-1 Tuesday night. Defenseman Michael Leighton opened the scoring early in the first period, while winger Gary Witt added a goal to give Hopslam a 2-0 lead going into the second period.
Newly added Dexter Benda made it 3-0, with 2 assists handed out by center Scott Coates. Goaltender Shawn Lopez was fantastic in net, nearly pitching a shutout but for a late score with just over 30 seconds left in the game.
When asked about the goal, forward Bob Brock stated, “That wasn’t me! It was Gary (Witt)!”
Despite that, center Jeff Phillion hugged Lopez in gratitude. “I’ve never beaten this team before,” exclaimed Phillion.
The Ice Men are the defending champions, cruising through the Fall 2012 playoffs, including a 7-1 victory over Hopslam in the first round.