Andrew Gindea scored twice and Chris Micallef added the game-winner as Portuguese Man O’ War beat defending champion Seal Team Six 3-2 on Thursday night at The Rinx – North Rink. The win gave Man O’ War their first Listener Cup title and avenged their loss to Seal Team Six in last season’s final.
Seal Team Six struck first when Fran Brzyski scored with 10:06 left in the first period, assisted by JJ Agha. Andrew DiMartino kept that lead intact with an early robbery at the other end. Man O’ War also had to kill a two-man disadvantage in the opening period after minors to Eric Maccabi and Gindea, and the crowd responded with excitement when the kill was complete. Gindea then tied it 1-1 with three seconds left in the period on an unassisted goal that drew a loud reaction from the stands.
The momentum stayed with Man O’ War in the second. Gindea put them ahead for the first time with 9:31 left, converting a feed from Maccabi to make it 2-1. Micallef followed with an unassisted goal with 2:30 remaining in the period, which stood as the game-winner and gave Man O’ War a 3-1 cushion going into the third.
Brzyski again provided Seal Team Six’s offense, scoring his second goal of the night with 9:05 left in the third on an assist from Brendan Coles to cut the deficit to 3-2. Coles also contributed defensively, blocking shots throughout the night. Seal Team Six pulled DiMartino for an extra attacker in the final two minutes. Austin Basile came up with key stops late, and Man O’ War cleared the puck in the closing seconds to finish off the win.
Basile was named the game’s MVP and was credited with the win after allowing two goals. DiMartino took the loss after allowing three. After the final whistle, Man O’ War lifted the Listener Cup for the first time in franchise history. Seal Team Six will look to take the trophy back next season.
