The Senior D Regular Season came to a close with the Bison confidently clinching the 1st place playoffs spot after winning 17 of their 20 games. The remaining 3 playoff spots were more tightly contested with the Shamrocks edging ahead thanks to 3 additional points from tied games to clinch the 2nd spot; and the Ice Bears and Bombers tying on points to claim 3rd and 4th.
Game 1 – Shamrocks vs Bison
This first game of the Finals Series saw an intial surpise upset with the Shamrocks establishing an early 2-1 lead thanks to goals from Sikman and Murray. The Bison however were able to rally in the second period, with goals from Watts, Hood and Slattery pushing the Bison ahead to a 4-2 lead. An early goal in the 3rd period from the Shamrocks captain Davis inspired a renewed effort from his team, however the Bison remained strong and the game 4-3 sending them to the Grand Final game.
Game 2 – Bears vs Bombers
The Ice Bears were quick off the mark with a goal by Mexon on the first shot of the game. The Bombers were able to rally their defense and hold the rest of the first period to the 1-0 scoreline. The second period saw a renewed effort with Bomber goals by Throop and Casey pushing their team in front, however with two seconds left on the clock Leskovar was able to tie up the score. The third period saw the Bombers edge ahead with goals from Fitzpatrick Hermolin securing a 4-2 win.
Game 3 – Shamrocks vs Bombers
Fresh off their first round games both teams came out to win, and after a tough back and forth first period Ingham was able to sneak one past the tendy to put the Shamrocks up 1-0. The second period saw a trading of goals with Bowden from the Shamrocks and Hermolin from Bombers both slipping the puck past the tendies. It was only after an early 3rd period goal by Shamrocks Gallagher and a stellar performance in his net by Ray that the Shamrocks were able to redeem their first round loss and secure a place in the Grand Final with a 3-1 win.
Game 4 – Bears vs Bombers (Bronze)
With the extra game in their pocket, the Bombers came out too strong against the Ice Bears with a pair of goals from Fitzpatrick and a stellar shutout in net from Throop propelling the Bombers to a 2-0 win.
Game 5 – Bison vs Shamrocks (Grand Final)
When the puck dropped it was clear that both teams wanted that trophy. A long first period saw the teams only trading penalties but otherwise the game remained scoreless at 0-0. Entering the second period, and having had the extra time off between games, the rested Bison were able to show the same consistent dominance that had won them so many games during the regular season, with goals by Bahr and Slattery putting the Bison up 2-0. A mid third period goal by Hood was enough to seal the victory for the Bison 3-0.
Well done to all of the players in D grade this year, it was again another DHL for the ages, and we look forward to seeing you kitted up ready to go for Summer 2023/24.