Team Visualeyes captured their second EMHL Championship in three years Sunday night, defeating Elmwood Cozumel, 6-4, taking the best of three series, 2-1.
The goal was set just over one month ago, to win 4 more games and bring home the EMHL Cup. In order to do so, Team V had to get through Third Street Tap Room in the semi-finals and Elmwood Cozumel in the finals. Both series were grueling and forced to a deciding Game 3, where Visualeyes proved to play best under pressure and come out on top of the Erie Metro Hockey League.
Team V came out of the gate slow and looked a little rusty from the 5 day layoff. Without star forwards Max Bonito (suspension), Bob Simpson-Corigliano, and Steven Browne, Visualeyes knew the task at hand would be difficult and ended up allowing the first goal to Cozumel with 4 minutes remaining in the first period. Matt English-Gunning got the troops moving though, tying the game at 1, finding the back of the net on a beautiful feed by Duffy Dunnigan a minute after Cozumel’s first tally. The poise of Duffy Dunnigan to control the puck and draw Cozumel's defense away from English-Gunning looked eerily similar to Mario Lemieux.Two minutes later, Visualeyes knocked another goal home, with Andrew Valint burying a rebound. Team V never looked back and took control of the play.
With a 2-1 lead heading into the second period, Visualeyes looked to open up the play offensively and force Cozumel to skate with them. Moving the puck well around the offensive zone, Jeremiah Crowe ripped a slap shot to the front of the net looking for traffic. Who else was there to tip in the shot? None other but Andy Valint. Valint’s hot stick, 6 goals in 5 playoff games was a major reason why the team had such success down the stretch. “There is nothing like heading into the off season knowing that your blood sweat and tears paid off,” said Valint.
As the second period progressed, so did the chippy play. Cozumel tried to get under the skin of goalie Adam Roma, crashing the net hard, but Roma would not have it. Throwing a few wild blocker punches, Roma received 6 minutes well worth it, and let Cozumel know that the crease was his. Eric Schottke and Drew Leberer were thrown into the box minutes later for going after a Coz player who blatantly shot the puck after the whistle at Roma on an off-sides call.
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Visualeyes took the two goal lead into the final period and knew they would have to keep playing the way they were to bring home the Cup. One of the biggest deadline deals to date in the EMHL, the signing of Garren Reisweber paid off again in Game 3. Reisweber took a pass from Duff Dunnigan, and fired an off balance slap-shot top shelf over Dave Reed’s glove. Reisweber finished the playoffs with 14 points (10G, 4 A) leading all players in scoring. Team V came right back when Leberer unloaded a one-timer from the point, deflecting off of Matt Mesi, beating Reed. Cozumel answered shortly after to bring the score within 3, but it just wasn’t enough to stop the Champs.
Matt English-Gunning added his second tally of the night, driving the nail in Cozumel's coffin, with a highlight reel, end to end rush. “Last night was a hard fought battle, pretty much the story of our season,” said English. “We got a nice spark when “Romes” dropped the mitts with Guenther, and after that it felt like the ice was tilted the rest of the night. $2.99 Roget champagne has never tasted so good!”
As time expired and the commissioner presented Team V with the EMHL Cup, Visualeyes’ fans were going wild. “The place was just electric, the fans just kept us moving all game long. I've never felt anything like this, victory tastes so good!” added Duffy Dunnigan.
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| EMHL CUP PRESENTATION |
Adam Roma proved to be the difference between the pipes and was awarded Playoff MVP and received a flashy Visualeyes muscle shirt.
“It has been a pleasure battling day in and day out with this group of guys,” said Eric Schottke. “All of our hard work and early morning practices have paid off and when we drive down Main Street at our parade, it will feel incredible to share this moment with our fans. I would also like to thank Dave Leberer for his great ownership. We could not have done it without him and his support.”
The celebration on the ice carried over into the Locker Room with champagne showers and libations flowing. “Top to bottom, Visualeyes is a class act organization. We have an owner that cares and GM that knows how to piece together winning teams. Two championships in three years, I can’t ask for much more, I’m just proud to be a part of this team.” Ryan Donnelly added from the locker room.
NEWS AND NOTES:
-Keep an eye out for more information about the official, Team Visualeyes Championship Party. Details will be listed on teamvisualeyes.blogspot.com and all are welcome!
-Visualeyes finished with a record of was 22-7-3.
-Be sure to check out the "Multimedia" page for more pictures!
