Finals: Game 3 - Havl 0-1 Gregoryisgodistan (OT)Yzerberg, Vaugania – Overtime, Game 3: With the World Cup of Hockey waiting in the wings and Havl's national hockey team just one goal away from a return to glory, Brady Anderson stole a Gregoryisgodistani pass and strode toward the Ice Slaves' net on a breakaway. The Yzerberg Ice Hall's capacity crowd held its collective breath. This could be the moment. The Cup's handlers were ready.
Mere moments later, the game would be over, but the World Cup would have to wait. Anderson, perhaps blinded by his determination to win, failed to miss a charging Enemy Crusher Crushdaguaya Balians who picked the puck from the Union native and sent a crisp pass to Enemy Crusher Crushy McCrushawitz, who was waiting at the blue line. The hulking fourth-line center loped into the Havl zone and forced the puck past Haley Hasenpfeffer. And just like that, after three period of tense, defensive hockey, the Ice Slaves had forced Game 4.
"It's frustrating to get this close and lose in overtime," said Hasenpfeffer. "We weren't playing our best hockey, and we paid for it."
After stealing the first two games with powerplay goals, Havl head coach Justin Donndelinger was anxious to revamp his team's even-strength abilities. Coach Donndelinger had his squad practicing five-on-five drills in the afternoon practices.
"Like I've said before, you can't expect Gregoryisgodistan to come out and play the same way after a loss," said Donndelinger. "Especially after losing consecutively for the first time in this tournament."
Indeed the Ice Slaves had changed their strategy for Game 3. Although the Gregoryisgodistani squad continued to play a defensive, physical game, they drew only five penalties on Friday night, a reduction of 75% over the first two games. The new approach paid off: Havl was held scoreless for the first time since Game 2 of the Finals in World Cup of Hockey 23 against Gyatso-kai.
"If we want to bring the World Cup back to Havl, we need to find a way to score even-strength goals against these guys," said Donndelinger. "Our defense was solid tonight; you can't fault the guys for losing in overtime, and Hasenpfeffer played a great game. Ultimately, we lost this one because of our offense, and we'll be focusing on that going into Saturday's game."
Brady Anderson's turnover led to Enemy Crusher Crushy McCrushawitz's game-winning goal in overtime.Following the game, the Ice Slaves celebrated by burning a Havl flag and crushing some Havl effigies. Many of the Havl fans who made the lengthy trip to Vaugania stayed to witness the celebration.
"It's fascinating," said Jennifer Praffright of Davenport. "Because of the travel restrictions and controlled media coming out of Gregoryisgodistan, this is really our only insight into Gregoryisgodistani culture."
When asked about her reaction to the players' action, Praffright and others in her group who traveled to see the game said they were impressed.
"[Havlans] burn the flag all the time," said Praffrifght. "It's not a big deal at home. It was just kind of special to get to see Enemy Crushers in action and in person. We've heard a lot about the way of life in Gregoryisgodistan, and a lot of it is hard to believe, but it was interesting to see it for ourselves. It kind of takes away the sting of the loss."
In a post-game speech to his team, Ice Slaves head coach Horse Beater LAL9120 gave his players permission to crush members of Havl's team.
"If you have to crush a few Havl players, I wouldn't mind," Horse Beater LAL9120 said. "This is Vaugania, so crushing would not violate the Federation's orders. So if you have to crush their players, coaches, or fans, or even a few referees, go for it."
When reached for comment, Havl Hockey president Jane Haustra said that she was not concerned about safety.
"Regardless of any agreement between Gregoryisgodistan and the World Cup of Hockey Federation that may permit 'enemy crushing' outside of Atlantian Oceania, there is no reason to believe that players, coaches, officials, or event attendees are in any danger," said Haustra. "I have no doubt that both teams will play a respectful series."
In World Cup of Hockey 22, Pervert Chaser LL00PP19F gravely injured Havl linesman Jack Bell in an on-ice incident. Bell, the father of national team veteran Antwon Bell, later recovered and filed charges against both the wayward player and the World Cup of Hockey.
"Say what you want about Gregoryisgodistan; they're a great hockey team," said Havl winger Jason State. "Or, rather, maybe
don't say what you want about Gregoryisgodistan. Gotta be careful about that."
Despite the loss, Havl leads the best-of-five Finals two games to one. Coverage of World Cup of Hockey XXV continues on HTVM Saturday as Havl faces 1st-ranked Gregoryisgodistan.
Box Score
Team Leaders
Num Name G A Pts Games Played
9 Brad Neubauer 6 22 28 17
11 Adam Fleer 8 18 26 17
19 Jason State 15 8 23 17
3 Petr Zaradnik 5 13 18 17
13 Graham Hatch 6 11 17 17
18 Carson West 7 8 15 17
6 Sergei Skrbinski 1 13 14 17
8 Andrey Pasternak 3 10 13 17
16 Travis Hampstead 4 6 10 17
15 Martin Klerx 4 5 9 17
20 Ravi Chandrasekhar 3 6 9 17
12 Taro Tsujimoto 4 3 7 17
14 Brady Anderson 2 5 7 17
10 Joey Kaminski 2 4 6 17
22 Rhys Dykstra 1 4 5 17
4 Tanner Blankenship 1 3 4 17
77 Tomas Holicek 0 4 4 17
36 Jay Marshall 0 3 3 17
Num Name GP W L T GA SA GAA S% SO
31 Haley Hasenpfeffer 17 14 2 1 23 351 1.35 93.4 5
30 Ty McLaren 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0 0
Scores and Schedule
Date Team Team Score Result Venue
17 OCT 2Havl 55Terre des Gaules 3-0 W Yzerberg Ice Hall
18 OCT 2Havl URArvenida 3-3 T Yzerberg Ice Hall
19 OCT 2Havl 16The Fair Republic 2-0 W Yzerberg Ice Hall
20 OCT 2Havl 21Nova Anglicana 5-1 W Yzerberg Ice Hall
21 OCT 2Havl URZips Nation 5-0 W Yzerberg Ice Hall
22 OCT 2Havl URNorth Britonisea 6-1 W Yzerberg Ice Hall
23 OCT 2Havl 47Patistan 7-3 W Yzerberg Ice Hall
26 OCT 2Havl 16Estope 5-0 W Yzerberg Ice Hall
27 OCT 2Havl 16Estope 4-2 W Yzerberg Ice Hall
29 OCT 2Havl 8Ko-oren 7-1 W MTS Centre
30 OCT 2Havl 8Ko-oren 1-0 W MTS Centre
2 NOV 2Havl 13Vilita and Turori 5-1 W St. John's Ice Arena
3 NOV 2Havl 13Vilita and Turori 4-3 L St. John's Ice Arena
4 NOV 2Havl 13Vilita and Turori 10-4 W St. John's Ice Arena
5 NOV 2Havl 1Gregoryisgodistan 3-2 W Yzerberg Ice Hall
6 NOV 2Havl 1Gregoryisgodistan 3-1 W Yzerberg Ice Hall
7 NOV 2Havl 1Gregoryisgodistan 0-1 (OT) L Yzerberg Ice Hall
8 NOV 2Havl 1Gregoryisgodistan Yzerberg Ice Hall
9 NOV 2Havl 1Gregoryisgodistan Yzerberg Ice Hall (if necessary)