Lom Capitals proved to all they were the best team. (Photos by Mwangi Ngamate)

SUBMITTED BY KING’S SPORTS CENTRE

Ovechkin and the major league Capitals couldn’t do it, but on Monday night, the LOM Capitals of WestTel U-9 Youth Roller Hockey League, proved they were top of the hockey food chain. “At least down here in Cayman,” said the Athletic Director of King’s Sports Centre, Ray Singh. Mr Singh also congratulated the players, coaches and fans of the LOM Capitals U- 9 Youth Hockey Champions.
The Caps started their playoff run on Saturday as the underdogs against the UBS Panthers, and after proving all of the doubters wrong then, they stepped up in the Championship Game, to take down the league leading XN Financial Rangers in a convincing 4-1 victory.

XN Financial Rangers 1
v. LOM Capitals 4
Rangers Point Scorers:
Daniel Champoux - 1
Ethan Finlason - 1
Capitals Point Scorers:
Kai Robinson - 2
Ethan Hersant - 1
Matt Somerville - 1

The underdog squad went down 1-0 mid-way through the first half, but thanks to the coaching of Dan Allard and Mark Schipperheijn, continued to put the pressure on the Rangers team. Thanks to a very supportive crowd, the stellar play of team MVP Kai Robinson, the team scored four consecutive unanswered goals to clinch the title. Rangers rising star goalie Zach Alpert and team MVP, was able to stop a number of the shots from the dynamic Caps front line, but ultimately was unsuccessful in holding off their goal scorers for the full game. Special mention to Matty Cooke, LOM goalie, nominated by the coaching staff of the Capitals as the co-MVP player. Matty was very solid throughout the game, letting in only one goal against a very strong Rangers offense.

The new live-stream feature proved to be a big hit with everyone. A big thank you to everyone that was a part of the magic. Our sponsors, WestTel, AV Solutions, Cayman Active, Blackpearl Skate Park and Cayman 27. Our announcers, JR and Jason were great on the mic, and their commentary throughout the 9U playoffs and finals was very comical. Between the renditions of “We will rock you” and some very funny player interviews, these two guys gave our viewers a very entertaining show.

On behalf of all of the players and fans, both in Cayman and around the world, the league would like to extend a big thank you to all of our league coaches for your dedication to the players throughout the season. The successes that the 9u program has enjoyed since it’s inception is a direct reflection of your commitment to your teams.

XN Financial Rangers 4
v. KPMG Senators 3
Rangers Point Scorers:
Scott Lewis - 1
Ethan Finlason - 2
Amanda Alexander - 1
Sarah Jackson - 1
Senators Point Scorers:
Ryan Lloyd - 3
Marc Nelson - 1

The KPMG Senators have been known since the league’s inception as the comeback team. Having been the underdog two of the first three seasons in their division, the Sens have come from behind to win it all - three consecutive times. In this, their fourth season, KPMG once again trailed in the standings, failing to produce a win throughout the season, although coming very close on numerous occasions. After securing their first victory of the season on Thursday night, it looked as though the comeback-Kings were about to make their run again; however the league leading XN Financial Rangers put a stop to that on Saturday. Both teams were fantastic from start to finish, and goalies Zach Alpert and Kevin Lepage were on top of their game. The intense match was literally decided by 1/4 of an inch, after Ryan Lloyd’s final shot on goal with one second remaining in regulation, grazed the crossbar and deflected wide of the goal. The KPMG Senators should be very proud of the ability to fight the uphill battle for the entire season. The Rangers played very well, considering they were missing the talents of power forward Nate Meghoo. The team rallied together to pull of the victory, and Scott Lewis and Ethan Finlason were key to the team’s success.

UBS Panthers 4
v. LOM Capitals 8.
UBS Panthers:
David Pitcairn - 3
Sammie Peene - 1
Shawn Lansdell - 2
LOM Capitals:
Joe Allom - 1
Max Schipperheijn - 4
Ethan Hersant - 5
Matt Somerville - 3

The LOM Capitals pulled off the upset win of the day, defeating the second ranked UBS Panthers 8-4 in a very fast paced and physical game. The Panthers entered the day the favourites, having won all of their matchups against the Capitals throughout the regular season. However the Caps came out with the forward line of Max Schipperheijn, Ethan Hersant and Matt Somerville, and proved their might in their most important game of the season. The trio combined for 12 of the teams 13 points in the game. Panthers goalie Jered Holmes played very well under the circumstances, but was simply unable to stop the Capitals forward movement. The Panthers had a fantastic season, finishing 2nd in the league standings, only a point behind the XN Financial Rangers. The league looks forward to seeing all of the talented players back in the fall. After the game, Panthers Coach Robin Holmes congratulated the Capitals on their big win, and wished them luck against the #1 seeded Rangers in the Finals.

To all of the fans watching the game on the island and those watching around the world - After the games so far during this playoff run.