Bulldogs bite the Superfinals

Finally is the Danish anthem to resound in the Odense Arena, after a great game where both team demonstrate they deserve to play the final act of the competition

The Continental Cup Semifinals group ends with a real final, with both Odense Bulldogs, finally supported by a decent number of fans, and Angers with same chance to earn a spot for Superfinals. Franch team, back from the battle against Nottingham, with veteran Brian Henderson out, has a nightmare start: after 55 seconds Rasmus Bjerrum finds the net with some responsibility by goalie Bertein. Bulldog goalie Tadeas Galansky flames the fans with an outstanding dive removing the puck from the net after two minutes. Mathias Thinnesen and captain Michael Eskesen tickle a reactive Bertein. Odense played very concentrated continuing causing problems for Angers defence, mainly with shots from the blue: Oliver Larsen and Simon Gronvaldt call Bertein to rebound. Only at minute 18 Angers threaten Galansky with a shot from Braden Walls. Period ends with a brawl between Romano and Tavzelj  after an attempt of Dale Mitchell.

Campbell and Mitchell have the first chances of second period, different frm the first one, with Odense less aggressive and Angers taking the control of the game, with the double advantage between 21 and 22 minute not yield. Odense conceded penalties and on power play finally Angers equalize the game: the shot of Mathieu Gagnon is deflected under the bar by Paul Bahain at 28:13. The following two minutes are a roller-coaster: in a minute Odense scored with interesting prospect Oliver Larsen unassisted, 24 seconds after Robin Gaborit finds an highway in the inattentive Danish defence netting the 2-2. A controversial call for boarding leaves Odense once again with two men down for almost two minutes, bravely defended in front of Galansky. Angers begins third period very aggressive with Galansky under fire, while the attack of Bulldogs produces a couple of personal attempts by an inspired Mitchell, well controlled by Bertein. At minute 53 a shot by Tony Romano passes inches from the post with Bertein on the other post. The stamina of Angers runs out while Odense is ready for the final assault: the last 5 minutes are played only in Angers defence zone and seems clear the goal is just question of time: Bulldogs fans can celebrate at 58:43 with one of fans favourite: captain Michael Eskesen finds the right hole in the traffic, beating Bertein. With one minute to play Angers tries the final assault but Odense can celebrate a deserved victory in a nice game. The Odense group of semi-finals, thus, promoted Nottingham and Odense to 20^th edition of Superfinals, in a venue to be determined the first week of January

MVP: Michael Eskesen – Braden Walls

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