Machine-translated from Hungarian.
With our away win on Friday, we’ve earned the chance to secure a place in the final of the Andersen League in front of our home crowd. We knew it wouldn’t be easy this time either, and that Lehel HC would fight right until the very last moment.
The match got underway in front of a large crowd at the Győr University Ice Sports Centre, and whilst the boys were clearly feeling the effects of the intense training of recent weeks, the visitors looked sharper and fresher in the first period. Both teams created chances, but there were no complaints about the defence on either side; we had to wait more than 12 minutes for the first goal, but unfortunately it did not come from a Győr player: Pinczés let a mid-range shot slip through during a power play, and it found its way between Róth’s legs. 0–1
There were no further goals in the period, so the lads went into the first break one goal down.
A completely different home side took to the ice for the second period; head coach Mátyás Odnoga must have effectively inspired the lads during the break, as Győr clearly dominated proceedings in this period. And it paid off: Martin Sipák brilliantly deflected Szűcs’s shot in front of the net. 1–1
Although there were several opportunities to take the lead, no further goals were scored, so the teams started the third period with a clean slate.
The final period saw a closely fought, evenly matched contest, but the Jászberény side managed to regain the lead: halfway through the period, with a man advantage, Borbát fired a shot at goal; it initially hit the boards, but the rebound was an easy finish. 1–2
It almost looked as though we might have a chance at an empty net at the end, but Bence Láday found the corner beautifully two and a half minutes before the final whistle! 2–2
The match went into extra time – for the second time in the tie, and once again on home ice. Both teams played tactically during the extra period; the stakes were now clear. We even gained a man advantage, but failed to capitalise on the 4-on-3 situation; and once the penalty had expired, there was no stoppage in play, so the battle continued 4-on-4. In the end, Márk Vas decided the match, beating Monostori with a stunning strike! 3–2
**It was a thoroughly entertaining semi-final from last year’s finalists, with two matches only being decided in extra time.
Congratulations to the Lehel HC team on an excellent season, and we wish them every success in the bronze medal match!
Our opponents in the final will be Goodwill Pharma Stilaxx Szeged; the first match will take place on 4 April in Szeged.**
Come on, UNI GYŐR ETO!
UNI GYŐR ETO HC vs Lehel HC: 3 – 2 (HU) (AL108) Goal scorers: **#7 Martin Sipák, #12 Bence Láday, #9 Márk Vas (UNI GYŐR ETO) #11 Pinczés, #34 Borbát (Lehel)
We’ve put together a selection of the best photos from the match in our gallery:
Photo: Dr Krisztina Németh-Csigai
Fotó: Dr. Németh-Csigai Krisztina