Last weekend the Vikings put up two good games but it was not enough to repeat as Regionalliga champions.
In the semifinal the Vikings wanted to make up for the last-minute loss during the last game of the regular season in a rematch against Kronberg.
The game was won but it proved to be difficult – the Vikings trailed twice in the first period (first goal against in the first shift of the game) before managing to get a 3-2 lead at halftime.
The Crusaders had the better start again, tying the game 6 minutes into the second half. But by then the Vikings had found a better rhythm and Matt Haynes scored the game winner one minute later, Nick Stortini scored three more goals (of his 5 overall) within 3 minutes and that sealed the 7-3 victory and a spot in the final.
Bad Nauheim won their semifinal 8-4 against Herborn so the title would be decided between the top two teams of the season.
Again the Vikings had a slow start – the Devils came out fast and scored during the first minute of the game. After that it was an intense and close game with good scoring chances for both teams, and the Vikings tied the game 8 minutes into the first half. But Bad Nauheim in turn increased their speed and scored 3 goals within 6 minutes to make it 4-1 at halftime.
The Vikings did not give up and scored after 5 minutes of the second period, but could not convert more of their good scoring chances. This proved to be the difference maker as Bad Nauheim answered with three more goals and the game was decided. Both teams added one more goal in the last three minutes of the game and Bad Nauheim earned the win at a final score of 8-3.
Stortini, Parekh and Parise scored the goals for the Vikings who are now looking forward to the ice hockey season – but will ne back next summer to win back the RLS trophy.
