Team Mullen Makes History as First-Ever 3ICE Champions in Las Vegas
Las Vegas was buzzing with excitement as the inaugural 3ICE event kicked off, showcasing fast-paced, 3-on-3 hockey action. After six thrilling games, Team Mullen emerged as the first-ever 3ICE champions, etching their names in history. Despite a rocky start, Team Mullen fought their way to the top, displaying skill, determination, and a never-give-up attitude throughout the tournament.
The opening match saw Team Trottier face off against Team Fuhr, and it didn’t take long for the first goal in 3ICE history to be scored. Peter “Swaggy P” Lenes of Team Fuhr made an immediate impact, netting a breakaway goal to give his team an early lead. Lenes continued his stellar performance, securing a hat-trick and guiding Team Fuhr to a dominant 5-0 victory. Goaltender Ryan Zapolski also played a crucial role, earning a shutout and providing a solid foundation for his team’s success.
Next up, Team Murphy clashed with Team Mullen in a thrilling matchup. Team Mullen, led by Coach Joe Mullen, emphasized the importance of a quick start, and they delivered with an early goal from Tim Coffman. However, Team Murphy staged a remarkable comeback, erasing a four-goal deficit with a flurry of goals from John Schiavo, Tim Davison, and Chris Mueller. The game ultimately went to a shootout, where Griffen Molino sealed the win for Team Murphy in a dramatic 6-5 comeback victory. Coach Larry Murphy praised his team’s perseverance and the electrifying atmosphere that 3-on-3 hockey provides.
In the final game of the opening round, Team Carbonneau faced off against Team LeClair. Team LeClair took an early 2-0 lead with goals from TJ Hensick and Brandon Hawkins, showcasing their chemistry on the ice. Team Carbonneau fought back, with JC Campagna and Aaron Palushaj finding the back of the net to tie the game. In a dramatic finish, Alex Kile broke the tie with only 40 seconds remaining, propelling Team LeClair to a hard-fought 4-3 victory. Goaltenders Jeremey Brodeur and Blake Weyrick were outstanding between the pipes, ensuring a tight contest until the very end.
The first semifinal match featured Team Fuhr against Team Murphy. Both teams displayed relentless energy, but it was Team Murphy who emerged victorious. John Schiavo and “Swaggy P” continued their impressive performances, with Schiavo recording a hat-trick and “Swaggy P” finding the back of the net for the fourth time in two games. Team Murphy’s cohesive play and veteran experience proved crucial as they secured a 3-2 win and booked their spot in the championship round.
In the other semifinal, Team Mullen faced off against Team LeClair. Team Mullen capitalized on their early lead, courtesy of goals from Dalton Skelly, Patrick Mullen, and Kevin Fitzgerald. Joe Whitney contributed two crucial goals, ensuring a comfortable 7-4 victory for Team Mullen. The team expressed satisfaction with their performance and redemption for their goaltender Tomas Sholl, who received strong support this time around.
The stage was set for an epic championship showdown between Team Mullen and Team Murphy, a rematch of their thrilling first-round encounter. Team Mullen started strong, with Joe Whitney scoring the opening goal to give his team a 1-0 lead. Their relentless energy on both ends of the ice limited Team Murphy to just one goal, a successful penalty shot by Mark Auk. Team Mullen’s offense ignited, with Kevin Fitzgerald