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Roses Complete Epic Comeback, Win Furry Cup Over Tail Storm
12 years ago
By Marc Bessier, FSPN Hockey Writer
They said it couldn't couldn't be done. The series was as good as over, and with their leading scorer out of the series, it was a matter of time.
Except someone forgot to tell the Portland Roses.
Down 3-0 in their Furry Cup Finals series to the Erie Tail Storm, the Roses stormed back and capped an improbable comeback in front of a raucous sold-out Rose Garden crowd by defeating the Tail Storm 3-0 in the deciding Game 7. And without the services of league MVP candidate Aodhan Murphy after the star forward injured his arm, the Roses had to look for offense elsewhere.
"We knew it would be tough without Murph in the lineup," defenseman Paul Shepherd said in the locker room, "but we had to find a way." Shepherd did his part, as he and defense partner Wingdog kept the dynamic duo of Beino Conway and Bedtime Bear in check over the remainder of the series, while goaltender Hari Pehltonen stood on his head and ears to help turn the tide for the Roses. His 32-save shutout in the deciding game has left some to say that the Finnish lapine's status as one of the world's elite goalies has been cemented.
It wouldn't have been possible without an unsung hero, and that came in the form of Liam Good. The diminutive penguin stepped up and played big when his team needed him to, scoring the game-winning goals in Games 4 and 5 to keep the Roses alive, then silenced the crowd in Erie by netting a hat trick in Game 6 to turn the momentum of the series in the Roses' favor. With big name players like Murphy, Shepherd and Pehltonen grabbing the attention, it is easy to overlook Good, which his teammates and coaches say makes him that much more dangerous.
"Liam's always got something to prove," head coach Rashida Thornweaver said, "He's one of the hardest workers in practice and it shows up in the game. He just loves being on the ice and putting in the effort to help the team." It is unknown whether Good will remain with the Roses as his performance in the Finals has garnered a lot of attention from FHL clubs looking for a clutch performer. But at least he can savor the sweet, and somewhat fishy taste of victory with his Roses teammates.
On the other side, there was a feeling of shock and disbelief in the Tail Storm locker room, which we were told to stay as far away from as possible to stay out of the range of the notoriously temperamental Belic Bear. Eventually Conway, the team captain, came out to address the media. "We're very much disappointed with the outcome," he said, "They did what they had to do to beat us, and thiis one's gonna hurt for a while, but we're determined to come back better than ever next season." And while the Tail Storm look to Conway to inspire them, they can take comfort in the fact that their core of Conway and defensemen Belic and K'gra Leopard are all signed to long-term contracts to remain in Erie. That means there will be a lot more success for the Tail Storm, and perhaps a Furry Cup or two in the future as Conway pointed out. "Last season, they lost it in seven games. This year, they won in seven games, so I like our chances already."
For more FHL and Furry Hockey news, stay tuned to FSPN - The Worldwide Leader in Furry Sports
(Written by
croco)
They said it couldn't couldn't be done. The series was as good as over, and with their leading scorer out of the series, it was a matter of time.
Except someone forgot to tell the Portland Roses.
Down 3-0 in their Furry Cup Finals series to the Erie Tail Storm, the Roses stormed back and capped an improbable comeback in front of a raucous sold-out Rose Garden crowd by defeating the Tail Storm 3-0 in the deciding Game 7. And without the services of league MVP candidate Aodhan Murphy after the star forward injured his arm, the Roses had to look for offense elsewhere.
"We knew it would be tough without Murph in the lineup," defenseman Paul Shepherd said in the locker room, "but we had to find a way." Shepherd did his part, as he and defense partner Wingdog kept the dynamic duo of Beino Conway and Bedtime Bear in check over the remainder of the series, while goaltender Hari Pehltonen stood on his head and ears to help turn the tide for the Roses. His 32-save shutout in the deciding game has left some to say that the Finnish lapine's status as one of the world's elite goalies has been cemented.
It wouldn't have been possible without an unsung hero, and that came in the form of Liam Good. The diminutive penguin stepped up and played big when his team needed him to, scoring the game-winning goals in Games 4 and 5 to keep the Roses alive, then silenced the crowd in Erie by netting a hat trick in Game 6 to turn the momentum of the series in the Roses' favor. With big name players like Murphy, Shepherd and Pehltonen grabbing the attention, it is easy to overlook Good, which his teammates and coaches say makes him that much more dangerous.
"Liam's always got something to prove," head coach Rashida Thornweaver said, "He's one of the hardest workers in practice and it shows up in the game. He just loves being on the ice and putting in the effort to help the team." It is unknown whether Good will remain with the Roses as his performance in the Finals has garnered a lot of attention from FHL clubs looking for a clutch performer. But at least he can savor the sweet, and somewhat fishy taste of victory with his Roses teammates.
On the other side, there was a feeling of shock and disbelief in the Tail Storm locker room, which we were told to stay as far away from as possible to stay out of the range of the notoriously temperamental Belic Bear. Eventually Conway, the team captain, came out to address the media. "We're very much disappointed with the outcome," he said, "They did what they had to do to beat us, and thiis one's gonna hurt for a while, but we're determined to come back better than ever next season." And while the Tail Storm look to Conway to inspire them, they can take comfort in the fact that their core of Conway and defensemen Belic and K'gra Leopard are all signed to long-term contracts to remain in Erie. That means there will be a lot more success for the Tail Storm, and perhaps a Furry Cup or two in the future as Conway pointed out. "Last season, they lost it in seven games. This year, they won in seven games, so I like our chances already."
For more FHL and Furry Hockey news, stay tuned to FSPN - The Worldwide Leader in Furry Sports
(Written by
croco)
BassMan
~bassman
Definitely a well-covered article and a good start
