On the Road to the Finals

"They call this tournament 'the March Classic.' Today is March first. They just saw a classic" bellowed the 'Hooter' to no one in particular. The 'grumpy geriatric' was reveling in the dominating performance displayed by the Pearl River Pirate Squirt A team against their league opponent, the Millbrook Knights who had also made the trip to the New England Sports Center for this annual season ending tournament. The Pirates came out flying, opening a three to one lead at the end of one period. The motivation no doubt was that the loser of this game would be eliminated from championship game consideration. Pirates were on the attack constantly and were seldom threatened in the defensive zone. A last minute Knight score made the game appear closer than it actually was. The Bucs were near flawless in their play in a decisive (5-2) victory over an opponent who had played them tough in league competition. "This was the de facto league championship game of the Hudson Valley League" pontificated the 'Hooter' to a smiling Chris McGee at games conclusion. "You're right on top of things" crowed the winning coach. "We won our divisional championship (Canadian); they won theirs (American). I guess we'll call this win: "The North American Cup!" This bodes well for the squad who is now assured of a berth in the finals to be played later today.