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DATE: 4/8/03

ZOGS STRUGGLE, BUT FIND WAY TO CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

PORTLAND, ME - If defense and goaltending win championships, then it is surprising that the Chicago Dog ZOGS find themselves playing for the League Championship this week (Wednesday, 8:40 PM).  What has been a strength for them all season has appeared only in small glimpses as the ZOGS have eked out two victories in the last two weeks to finish first in their half of the playoff bracket.  Playing the role of the savior has been their offense, led by Mike Mooney and Anthony Reynolds who have been involved in 13 of the Chicago Dog ZOGS 15 goals scored this post-season.

The offensive onslaught started against TEC Associates in dramatic fashion, as the Chicago Dog ZOGS won 7-5.  Every time the ZOGS scored, TEC seemed to return fire almost immediately, often within the next thirty seconds. Defensively, from the net out, the ZOGS were as porous as the Grand Canyon, and were out hustled to almost every loose puck.  It wasn't until the 4:31 mark that Chicago Dog ZOGS finally went ahead to stay on a tally by John Mullins.  Add to that an empty net goal in the final minute, and the ZOGS offense played the role of spoiler for TEC Associates.

Next up in the Round Robin play was Freightliner.  This was the same team the ZOGS beat in last year's championship game and who has finished first or second in the last six League Championships.  However, they trailed the Chicago Dog ZOGS by one point in the playoff standings, and would need a win to move on.  On the other hand, a win or a tie would clinch a berth in the championship game for the ZOGS.  The stage was set for a classic showdown. The Chicago Dog ZOGS scored first in the contest on a powerplay goal by Ian Gould.  Freightliner quickly forced the momentum in their direction, however, by scoring twice, one a powerplay goal and the other shorthanded, to close out the first period 2-1.  The ZOGS resolve was tested the first minute of the second period as Freightliner scored on an odd man rush to go up 3-1.  That would be all the scoring for Freightliner on this night.  The Chicago Dog ZOGS defense drew a line in the ice and held their ground for the rest of the game.  The rest was up to the offense.  Anthony Reynolds brought the ZOGS within one after stealing the puck at center ice and beating the Freightliner goalie short side.  Early in the third period, Mike Mooney wristed a rebound to the back of the net, which tied the game at three.  Knowing they needed a win to advance, Freightliner pulled their goalie for the final minute of the game, despite trying to kill off a major penalty.  The ZOGS gained control of the puck in their defensive zone with 32 seconds remaining, and defenseman Bill Reynolds fired a length of the ice shot for the winning empty net, powerplay goal.  Next stop, the Finals.

NEWS OF NOTE:  Only one team remains in the ZOGS path to repeat as League Champions.  Please come out and support your team this Wednesday night as they take on Laundry 66 in the Finals.  Game time is scheduled for 8:40 PM. Bring out the pots and pans and make some noise.

TRANSACTIONS:  -none-

-----------------------Sponsor Message-----------------------
The 2002-2003 ZOGS are brought to you by Chicago Dogs.  Please visit their
website (www.chidog.com) or stop in sometime for the authentic taste of the
Windy City right outside your back door!

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