Seeded last out of four teams, the Ducks were not expected to do much in the Palisades Recreation Center’s roller hockey playoffs. Despite a 2-5 record (all five losses were by one goal), Ducks coaches Jim Latham and Bob Kahn made sure every player got equal playing time throughout the season and that foresight proved valuable during last Friday night’s semifinal and final games. The Ducks won their first playoff game against the top-seeded Sabres on an overtime goal by Sportsmanship Award winner Hudson Fulgham. In the other semifinal, the third-seeded Red Wings upset the second-seeded Senators, also in overtime. The stage was set for the championship game, in which Ducks goalie Harrison Valner and Wings goalie Kelly Harlan traded saves in a fast-paced first half, after which the Red Wings led 6-3. In the second half, the Ducks kept their two highest scorers, Fulgham and Ross Friedman in the game at all times. Within a few minutes, the Ducks had scored three goals to tie it 6-6. Two more goals gave the Ducks a 8-6 lead with three minutes left. The defense of James Kahn, Cara Friedman, Chet Burrows and Ian Latham was crucial in keeping the Red Wings from scoring for most of the second half, but the Wings scored twice in the final two minutes to tie the game and force overtime. Two minutes into extra time Friedman slapped the puck into the back of the Wings’ net and the Ducks celebrated their Cinderella championship. Ethan Rill organized the youth league. For information about roller hockey at the Palisades Recreation Center, visit the Web site at www.westlahockey.com. Applications for the new season in January are due soon.
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