The time had come for our final game of the tournament and we always knew it would be a big one as it was against the NSW Ice Crocs. There is a long history between the two states so this was destined to be a grudge match.
We expected it to be a very tough ask. Traditionally in recent years NSW have dominated over SA at most National Championships. There team were all male and appeared to all be at the top end of the age limit.
We did not get off to a good start with NSW scoring two relatively quick goals. The frustrating part was that both goals should have been disallowed as on both occasions NSW players were offside but unfortunately the referees did not make the call.
Thankfully the players did not let it get to them and fought back to also score 2 goals. It looked as if the period would end tied but unfortunately NSW scored again with about 30 seconds to go.
It was very intense and emotional in the stands as the battle wore on. I think the cheering on both sides may well have been the most vocal of the entire tournament. we were all on the edges of our seats as SA took the lead in a hard fought second period but towards the end of the period NSW came back again and evened the score, with the period ending at 5 all.
When the third period began neither team could break through. The players played the game of their lives and our goalie, Charlie, was sensational. Unfortunately close to the end of the third period NSW scored again taking the lead at 6-5. This is the goal that hurt the kids the most as those on the ice when NSW scored insisted that the puck was dead and the goal should not have counted. As hard as it is in sport sometimes the calls go your way and sometimes they don't. Today was just not our day when it came to calls.
When the final siren sounded NSW held on to win 6-5. SA really took it up to NSW who we are sure were not expecting such a tough fight. In spite of the rivalry when it was all over the kids shook hands, had their photo together and celebrated the battle with a joint chorus of Aussie Aussie Aussie.
All though the outcome was not as we had hoped no one could have asked any more of our players, either in this game or the tournament as a whole. To come away with 5 victories out of 10 games (and two games within a goal or two) was an outstanding result and a testament to the hard work put in for many months.
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