Once again it was time for the hockey elites of Esprit de Corps to take on the Russian Bear as the Russian Embassy fielded two teams of the “Red Machine” to play against the Esprit de Corps “Commando Lites” in the first game and the “Commandos” in the second game of this double header. The games were played at the Jim Durrell Arena on Friday late afternoon with the Russians dressing so many players for both games that there wasn’t room on their bench to squeeze in a photographer.
For the first game both sides played with grit and determination, starting the second period tied 1-1. A goal with slightly more than four minutes to go in the second put the Russians ahead 2-1 which is how they started the third period. Although playing aggressively, the Commando Lites allowed another goal late in the third which put the game out of reach with the Russians winning 3-1.
The start of the second game against the Commandos was a hard fought and well skated affair with the first period ending without any scoring. Around half-way through the second period the Red Machine managed to pot a goal and the second period ended 1-0 for the Russians. During the third period, the Russians scored again about the 7:30 mark and were answered by the Commandos at 3:18 leaving the score at 3-1 for the closing moments. The Russians scored their final goal about 1:15 which is how the game ended, 4-1 for the Russian Red Machine.
A reception followed where the trophy was presented to the Russian Ambassador by Scott Taylor of Esprit de Corps magazine, the top players were announced for both teams (two for the Russians) and a new category, Dirtiest Player, was awarded to one of the Russians.
to see all the pictures, CLICK HERE
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