I like the shootout...tonight

Old-time hockey? Eddie Shore?

I don't like shootouts in hockey.

You need to know that up front. They're created for fans and, really, not hardcore fans. Especially those fans of "old-time hockey."

Keep that in mind.

Brunswick began its final week of the season with their second game in two days against Boars Club.

On Monday, the Bruins beat the Boars 5-2.

Today was much different. 

The first period had too many whistles, with icings, offside calls, and pucks leaving the rink. There were also goals -- two for Boars Club and one for Brunswick.

The Boars seemed to establish themselves in the second, scoring twice to take a 4-2 lead. The Boars' fourth goal was a dribbler that snuck past Brunswick sophomore netminder Brendan Holahan.

Brunswick started back with a goal from junior Connor Welsh at 16:02 of the second period. Welsh found himself positioned with a breakaway and he finished with a backhand shot to cut the deficit to one.

On the air, I remarked that there was still a whole third period to play, but the final moments of the second had the energy of the end of the game.

Indeed, this game was far from over.

A major penalty 5:05 into the third period gave the Bruins a five-minute power play and a chance to tie things up. However, the Boars had been excellent on the penalty kill, holding the Bruins scoreless in six attempts through the two games. Nearly four minutes into the five-on-four, senior AJ Cerbone fed a pass from the right circle to senior captain Matthew McGroarty who rifled it home to tie the game at the midway point of the period.

A little over six minutes later, Charlie Aronov broke the tie in a four-on-four to give the Boars a 5-4 lead with 2:55 to play. 

Then it was time for James Shannon to play the hero. With Holahan on the bench for an extra attacker, the sophomore got a feed from Welsh and finished past Boars goalie Charlie Tait to tie the game at five with 48 seconds remaining.

This is where it really got fun.

The coaches, led by Paul Coffey for Boars Club and Mike Kennedy with Brunswick, agreed to play one five-minute overtime session of 3-on-3.

From my perch on the balcony, it felt like everyone was making it up as they went along. Whether it was true or not it was fantastic to watch.

Each team came close a few times but those five minutes produced no result.

That usually means a tie.

Not today.

Again, the coaches conferred, with the officials joining.

After some discussion, the officials left the ice. From what I gathered, they either couldn't agree to a second overtime...or...yep...a shootout.

(Note: I found out the refs "couldn't" continue after the first OT so they left. I'll leave it at that.)

Whatever the case, they declined to remain. The teams, however, were sticking around.

In the booth, I tried to figure it all out. I had little idea what was going on.

Were they really going to play a shootout? Yes, they were. (Note: They would have preferred a second OT)

Welsh went first for Brunswick and was denied.

Andrew Carmody was the first Boars Club skater and he, too, came up empty.

James Shannon was next for Wick. He was able to push the first goal through.

Jake Cavanagh followed for the Boars and he tied things right back up.

Now it was McGroarty's turn and he answered to put the Bruins back up.

It came down to Zach Vandale against Brendan Holahan.

I realize the shootout is a thing for the fans in the NHL. I've also seen it memorably in the Olympics. I don't love resolving things this way. Usually.

But, today, instead of a tie, why not? For Boars Club, this is their season. This week. These three games. For Brunswick, their season is about to end as well. These players, coaches, and families have scratched and clawed to cobble together any kind of a season, especially for their seniors.

Vandale started to his right, heading wide into the circle, avoiding the faceoff dot.

Holahan tried to cut off any angle.

Now Vandale turned left, cutting closer to the net, almost straining to reach around number 30 in the brown uniform.

The sophomore Holahan awaited.

Vandale slammed on the brakes, right in front of Holahan. A shower of snow shot left as Vandale reached back for the puck, attempting to maneuver the Bruin goalie out of position.

By that point, Holahan had already poked the puck away.

Game over. Brunswick wins.

Honestly, I don't know if this is being viewed as a 5-5 tie or a 6-5 shootout win. When I finished the broadcast, I assume Brunswick had won. (NOTE: In "normal" times, it would have been a tie. For these purposes, it is indeed a 6-5 Wick win)

Does it really matter? Everyone seemed content overall. Oh, no question that Boars Club was disappointed with the loss but, really, literally everyone in the Hartong Rink acted like they were simply happy to have played.

And though I didn't shoot a shot, I felt that joy also of watching a game I won't soon forget.

I don't do exaggeration and hyperbole but you probably know that. Still, as I wrapped up the broadcast, I found myself thinking this one was unforgettable.

The best part? These two play again tomorrow at 5 p.m.

I don't often recommend you listening or watching but, for these players, here are the various options to relive this one:

- The Local Live Feed is here. Video, play-by-play, and witty nonsense for your truly.

- The downloadable full audio broadcast (minus the between period intermissions) can be found here.

- If you'd just like to hear the shootout, I can accommodate that also here.