In an intense battle between the Puerto Rico Men's National Team and the Lebanese Men's National Team, Puerto Rico squeaked by with a thrilling 4-3 win. The match was filled with fast-paced physical action from both sides, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer.
The first period set the tone for the game, as Puerto Rico scored their first goal off of a bang-bang play when Buddy Summers opened the tally for Puerto Rico when he slammed in a rebound off of a shot that bounced off the Lebanese goalie's pads. Roman Templeton's cat quick wrist shot from the slot landed right on Summer's stick who snuck into open space for the scoring opportunity. Lebanon also scored in the period and both teams showed their physicality each receiving minor penalties, but neither capitalizing on the opponent's mistake of gifting respective power plays.
In the second period, Puerto Rico scored again after a goal from Dennis Ruppe which was assisted by Mikai Santiago-Dame. However, Lebanon fought back, scoring two quick goals in the period taking a 3-2 lead and snatching momentum back from the Boricuas side. The period was a physical affair marred by penalties, with Puerto Rico receiving four penalties and Lebanon receiving two of their own, leading to some tense moments on the ice between players.
The third period was a nail-biter, with both teams pushing hard for the win. Puerto Rico tied the game at 3-3 with a goal from Lovell Academy's Lex Santiago, assisted by Illinois native and Princeton University commit Andrew Horn. The game-winning moment came on a power play for Puerto Rico, as Lex Santiago netted his second goal of the night with a laser top shelf snipe securing the 4-3 victory. Despite Lebanon's fervent efforts, they couldn't find the equalizer. The last 32 seconds saw a desperate Lebanese team launching puck after puck at the out numbered Puerto Ricans, but the Islanders stood firm deflecting passes, blocking shots, as they tried everything to keep the puck out of their own net. The mad scramble at the end of the third period was heart breaking for Lebanon who dominated long stretches of the contest including the nerve racking final thirty seconds.
Puerto Rico's victory was a testament to their perseverance and preparedness, while Lebanon showed a high level of skill in their own right, as well as great resilience in a hard-fought contest. Both teams demonstrated their aptitude for the game and left everything on the ice. Fans cheered their heroes and tried to push their respective side over the finish line, both teams were exhausted by the final buzzer. Alas Puerto Rico emerged as the victor in this instant classic.