The Hockey Grail

After the glorious pomp and circumstance of a ceremonial puck drop and two national anthems, the inaugural King’s Cup hockey game opened at a furious pace. The Alex Hall team was heavily favoured, and took the lead halfway into the first period as John MacDonald scored on a breakaway. The terror of letting in the first goal did not discourage the Bays, and they began pressuring offensively—but to no avail. It took until the last two minutes of the period for Jake Saltzman to score on a beautiful point shot that hit the crossbar before entering the net. The game was tied 1-1 heading into the second period.

The middle frame started quickly for Alex Hall as John MacDonald netted his second of the day just minutes in. Down again, the Bays were starting to get pushed up against the ropes by a faster, more skilled team. They again rallied to tie the game—this time on a beautiful solo effort by star forward Tyler Publicover, who beat Alex Hall goaltender Charlie Bourne with a slap shot from the top of the circle. The game went into the third and final period tied at 2-2.
Chances for both teams resulted in save after save for both goaltenders. Dylan MacAteer was between the pipes for the Bays and kept his team in it with a flurry of dazzling stops. He was awarded The Bays player of the game for his efforts. The game stayed tied until Alex Hall defender—and opposite player of the game—Nick Twarog landed a massive body check which resulted in a penalty. The Bays did not waste their powerplay opportunity, and just seconds into it Tyler Publicover scored his second of the game to put his team ahead.
With three minutes to play, the Zamboni driver insisted on keeping the rink’s incredibly important schedule, and simply invited himself onto the ice. Feeling robbed of a chance to tie the game, Alex Hall was disappointed, but defeated.
Final score 3 for the Bays, 2 for Alex Hall. Despite the controversial finish, the Inaugural King’s Cup went off without a hitch. The King’s Cup now resides in the Wardroom’s trophy case for all to see. But to drink of the sacred cup? This is a privilege permitted only to the winners.