Last night the Gators found themselves right back where they were 5 months ago when they played the Diablos in the semifinal of the winter Tuesday ESL league. That game was a lopsided win for the Diablos and last night the Gators got their chance for revenge.

Missing key players Jeremy Christensen, Brian Pasono, John Davie and Mike Deer the Gators started out with 7 forwards and 4 defenseman. That made things on the bench a little awkward as they were forced to juggle positions every other shift to make things work.

It took a while for that formula to click and the Gators found themselves in an early 3-0 hole. Goaltender Jerry Suplicki breathed some life into the team turning away shot after shot to keep the Gators within striking distance.

The Gators offense began to smell a comeback and started getting chances, but Diablo goaltender Joe Wilkens was swallowing up everything and not giving up rebounds.

Finally Pat Dwyer broke through on a breakaway and roofed one to get the Gators on the board. Shortly after that Tom Savage found a wide open Steve Rowe who found the back of the net to make it 3-2.

Midway through the 3rd a Pat Dwyer slap shot rang off both posts and appeared to cross the line. The referee initially called it a goal but then cleared the fog off his rec specs and changed his mind. No goal.

Mike Roberts got a penalty with about 30 seconds left in the game but a botched faceoff allowed a Diablo forward to split the Gator defense and tack on the insurance goal for a 4-2 Diablo win.

It was a great season guys (and Renee). We in the Gator front office hope to see you all back in green and black soon if not this summer.

Thank you all.

Tonight's 3 Stars

1. Jerry Suplicki - A helluva game between the pipes

2. Pat Dwyer - scored a ginormous breakaway goal that got us going

3. Tom Savage - played killer D and notched 2 assists