Partizan captures Slohokej League

After having dominated regular season and easily passed through playoffs quarters and semifinals, Serbian and Slovenian played an exciting final series, starting with a thrilling overtime victory for Olimpija in game one at home, solved by a Klemen Sodrznik goal at 61. But this will be the only jubilation for Green Dragons. Game two was a carnage for Olimpija and a parade for Partizan, equalizing the series with an indisputable 10-2 with two goals by Marko Milovanovic, Anze Terlikar and former Olimpija Nemanja Vucurevic.
Serbian star Marko Kovacevic was the star in third key game, when Partizan grabbed a clear victory at Ljubljana Hala Tivoli, scoring 4 goals (two in short-handed) while American goalie John Murray shuts the door with a stellar 50 saves performance curbing league top scorer Ken Ograjensek, able to score just two goals despite several chances. With a decisive advantage Partizan can seal the victory at home: a packed Hala Pionir was ready to celebrate the triumph and Partizan didn't disappoint the fans: 4-0 with 2 goals by MVP Kovacevic, 3 assists by Terlikar and a deserved shut-out for Murray.
After the game Partizan coach Slovenian Pavle Kavcic declared: "Olimpija  was a bit better than us during the regular season. From the beginning I told the players that it needs experience for these matches, and that they eventually have. We triumphed deservedly" and added:" When I came to Partizan, I saw that the team had possibility for improvement. I congratulate everyone for the work over the past eight months "
Kavcic was on Partizan bench during the unforgettable 1985/86 season when club won Yugoslavian League beating favourite Jesenice in finals
Excited captain Marko Milovanovic said "It was not easy. Thanks to fans and my teammates, and also to Olimpija players. It was a good series, played at the last minute in every matches. During the season we showed character and the title is coming as a reward,"

This is first ever title for Serbian team, joining Slohokej League last season loosing finals against Maribor (this year finishing third) after haveing knocked out Olimpija in quarter finals. A good sign for decandent Serbian hockey: three teams domestic league goes through several troubles and just 4 games were played so far.

 

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