May 14 is the ultimate showdown for the Federal Prospects Hockey League. The Carolina Thunderbirds challenge the Hat Tricks at the Danbury arena.
On May 5th and 6th, the Hat Tricks suffered two losses on their road trip to Carolina. A week later, they tied the series up 2-2 at home, pushing a game five final.
Josh Koepplinger got Carolina on the board during the first period, but Brendan Sheehan responded by tying it up 1-1. Unlike other Danbury games, there were only three penalties in the first period. One minor call for the Hat Tricks, one for the Thunderbirds, and one game misconduct to Daniel Amesbury.
Jacob Ratcliffe scored two back-to-back goals for Danbury in the second period. Each team had two minor penalties, and the Hat Tricks led 3-1 after the first 40 minutes.
The third period was the more active of the three, with three goals and ten penalties. Jan Salak cut Danbury's lead to just one with an even-strength goal for Carolina. At 10:31, there were six penalties given out. The Thunderbirds had a roughing minor, a fighting major, and a game misconduct. The Hat Tricks had two fighting majors and one game misconduct. Zach Pamaylaon took advantage of a powerplay and brought Danbury back to a 2 goal lead. Gus Ford scored for Carolina on a 6-3, bumping the score to 4-3.
The last few minutes of the game were chaotic, with Carolina scoring their third goal and malfunctions with the clock. But the Thunderbirds could not get a fourth puck past FPHL co-goaltender of the year, Brian Wilson. Danbury ties the series 2-2 with their 4-3 win.
Wilson, the game's first star, saving 51 shots, praised his teammates for supporting him by getting those four goals. He says he plans on doing everything as usual for game 5, keeping his routine, and in his words, "give 100% out there, and whatever happens, will happen."
Zach Pamaylaon, who scored Danbury's fourth goal, was surprised when the puck went in and was happy he finally got a playoff goal. He wants to keep their positive energy going for this last game, even with the emotions of playoff hockey.
Michael Marchesan, with 11 points in 9 playoff games this season, commented on his energy going into Sunday's game. He reinforced how emotional this game will be but knew that the Hat Tricks would make it to game 5.
When asked about his motivation for this final game, Marchesan said, "Just play another day and get that win." Teammate Jarod Yau joined in, saying he is just thinking about his teammates and "just going one more night with them."
The final game of the Commissioner's Cup Championship will take place in Danbury at 5 pm.
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