Mana Cup Finals Series

by Arden Phillips

The Knights versus the Marlins Finals Series 

Game 1 saw the top 2 teams in the Mana Cup Division face-off for the first time since the regular season. Young-Gun sensation Kaleb Scott opening the scoring with a mid range snipe and giving the Marlins an early lead.

Knights managed to get one back through Chris Sands only to be undone a minute later with Marlins Captain Nathaniel Stewart finding the back of the net. Marlins continued to hold off the Knights and take the lead at half time 2 - 1.

Knights bounced back after the half with a quick goal through Elliot Tam and draw the game. Marlins then went on the power play and made quick work of the advantage taking a 3 - 2 lead from Ryan Cayzer. Not long before Knights Hugo Roy drew score and Chris Sands giving the Knights the first lead of the game 4 - 3.

However Young-Gun Tj Drysdale had other ideas and managed to get the Marlins to 4 - 4. Hugo Roy then found his second goal and gave the Knights the advantage with 6 minutes left. The Knights continued to control the possession and hold the puck before an uncharacteristic mistake gave Marlins Zach Bovey the puck in front of their own net. Zach Bovey making the Knights pay and locking scores at 5 - 5 with 1:25 left to play. We finished regulation drawn and head to 10 minutes of Overtime. 

Overtime seen both teams play conservative in both offense and defense, however the Knights managed to secure possession for almost 3 minutes before Knights making a quick change. Fresh legs with Captain Mark Ketchell who managed to find the golden goal with his first touch of the puck in OT and taking Game 1, 6 - 5.

Game 2 started with Marlins and Knights wanting to hold possession. Both teams managing to hold the fort for a majority of the half. Daniel Middleton finally opened the scoring with 6 minutes left in the half, before Hugo Roy added his own a minute later. 

Daniel Middleton finding his previous form and added the Knights 3rd in the space of 2 minutes and taking his team into the half up 3 - 0.

The opening sequence of the second period saw Marlins Kevin Goulet take advantage and get the Marlins on the board and the Marlins continued to hold their defense. 

Elliot Tam then showed the Knights the light at the end of the series while Chris Sands added another. Top Points Leader and Mana Cup MVP Daniel Middleton then sealing the game with a hat-trick. Knights winning 6 - 1 and Winning the KIHL Mana Cup in 2 games.KIHL Mana Cup Finals Series MVP - Hugo Roy