Thursday, April 25, 2013

4/24 Recap: Armia a champion

Joel Armia became an SM-Liiga champion Wednesday as Assat Pori posted a 3-2 victory over Tappara Tampere to close out the final round series in six games. Armia posted a pair of assists in the championship series, giving him three goals and eight points in 16 post-season contests. Despite playing big in the offensive zone en route to Assat taking first league title since 1978, the 6-foot-3 shooter finished with a season-high eight-game goal scoring drought. It is thought that Armia will get a look from Team Finland for the upcoming World Championship before determining his next move. Signed to a contract back last summer, the newly-minted champion will look to bring that winning mentality to the Sabres organization when he embarks on his rookie season of North American hockey in 2013-14.

In the OHL, Alex Lepkowski (-1) got into a fight as Barrie downed Belleville 4-3 in overtime to win game four of the OHL Eastern Conference final. Lepkowski, who has been physical all series long, quickly got into a scrap with Carter Sandlak just 2:04 into the first period to set an early tone. Belleville defender Brady Austin was not on the ice for any of the Bulls' goals against. The Colts, who take a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series, will look to close things out Friday night in Belleville.