Vipers Embrace Hamilton’s Return with Big Win

Both games from week five were exciting. Special teams on display. Sick goals. Heated play. Big-time moments. 

The week-five wrap up brings us to the halfway point of this inaugural season of the San Diego Elite Draft League. Results brought teams closer together in the standings, reflecting the parity across teams and declaring that this is still anyone’s league to win. 

Week Five Recap

Temecula Vineyard Vipers vs. Del Mar Bandits 

The Temecula Vineyard Vipers had something to prove when coming into week five with only one win. Fortunately, they would have their team captain, Matt Hamilton, in the lineup for the first time this season. Hamilton was out for over a month with an eye injury endured during in-house play of Escondido’s Tuesday-night advanced league at Kit Carson Park. Hamilton would have an immediate and lasting impact on the game, scoring the equalizer goal to knot the score at 1-1 early in the first half and ending the game with two goals and an assist to help lead the Vipers to a 9-4 victory over the Del Mar Bandits. 

While Hamilton’s scoring was valuable, perhaps the most significant element he brought to the game was a stabilizing presence on defense. The Vipers looked poised and controlled as they maintained puck possession and took advantage of odd-man breaks instead of racing up the floor and forcing plays in outmanned situations as they had been accustomed to doing earlier in the season. 

Having greater control over the flow of the game allowed others to flourish, notably Wes Langeloh (4G) and Jack Allen (1G; 2A). Langeloh kicked off his scoring with a power play snipe that launched his shooting confidence into the stratosphere as he would go on to score three more goals with confident shooting. The Vipers also received strong performance from sub Tony Giluso (2G; 1A), a perfect fit for the Vipers given his Temecula roots.

While the Bandits did not have enough gusto to keep up with the Vipers’ sniping wizardry, they received standout performances from Greg Andrews (3G) and Lars Erickson (1G; 1A). The Bandits have all the pieces to be a dominant force, but they need everyone to commit to a full 30-minute effort if they are going to match up against the other fast and hungry teams in this league. 

With a 4-goal performance and the game-winning goal, Wes Langeloh was recognized as player of the game.   

Final Score
Temecula Vineyard Vipers: 9
Del Mar Bandits: 4

North County Surfers vs. Mission Bay Ospreys
The game between the North County Surfers and Mission Bay Ospreys was one of the most satisfying roller hockey games in recent history, and it was arguably the most exhilarating game thus far in San Diego Elite Draft League history. There was physical play, power-play clapper snipes, inspired passing, passionate hustle, and fast-paced grind. There was Kinsey-brother connection and an energy-fueled celly following an electrifying game-winning goal from Ray Kinsey.

This game had it all, and it came down to the wire. Something we've come to expect when these teams meet. Their last encounter ended in a 5-4 Ospreys win. This time around, it would be the Surfers edging out the Ospreys with a 4-3 victory. 

Both teams looked great. They played with speed, moved the puck well, were persistent on the puck, and received stellar goaltending. Each of these teams has an established identity, arguably giving them an edge over the other two teams in the league, who still seem to be finding themselves. And one advantage that the Surfers have over all other teams is their level of energy and communication. They are the most vocal team, both from the bench and on the rink, and it plays in their favor. 

For his assist and game-winning goal in crunch time, Ray Kinsey was recognized as player of the game. 

Final Score
North County Surfers: 4
Mission Bay Ospreys: 3

Looking Ahead: Keys to the Game
These are the key ingredients deemed necessary for each respective team to find success, as analyzed by the San Diego Elite Draft League back office.

Del Mar Bandits: Across the lineup, commit to a full game of play.

Mission Bay Ospreys: Outwork teams with high-tempo play and continue building on team chemistry. 

North County Surfers: Be the more vocal team and continue playing with passion and grit.

Temecula Vineyard Vipers: Build stability from the defensive end and find odd-man opportunities for the shooters to exploit.