Bern Gets Close, But Not Close Enough

[AwfulHomesick 148]

Friendly rivals Olynick and Salo congratulate each other on their first playoff series against each other.

 

The long awaited playoff run to the Founder's Cup Finals came to a screeching halt when the Bern Royals lost in 6 against an all-around powerhouse Yukon Rush. Lead by the stellar play of Kimmo Salo and the ensemble of Konstantin Azischenkov, Johan Hallstrom, Bennet Wahl, and Kai Randal, the visibly-fatigued and mentally worn out Bern Royals put up a respectable effort against the Rush, but it just wasn't enough.

 

Starting off the playoffs with a heart-pounding 6 game series against the Turku Outlaws, the team that dominated all throughout the regular season suddenly fell back down to Earth in an effort to put away a fast Outlaws team. It took 2 shutout efforts by Blaine Olynick, followed by 2 more 5-2 victories for the Royals to advance. Doubt had begun to settle in the minds of Royals' fans that the team that were in front of them the last 6 games couldn't put up a fight against the Rush that swept the Gladiators.

 

In an effort to boost up offensive play for next season, Royals GM Alex Staal dealt their first round pick this year for Turku's 3rd rounder and physical two-way forward Azi Ali. With the departure of Ron World Peace imminent for next season, there will be a huge hole in the offensive power that the Royals are known for. 

[eaglesfan036 4,599]

It was an exciting series Bern. Glad to see you guys are going for it all next year too.