Demonz dethrone Whalers

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DANBURY -- The Dayton Demonz came to Danbury with nothing to lose -- and they left with the Commissioner's Cup.

The Demonz, who had been on the brink of elimination in the best-of-five championship series with the Danbury Whalers since they lost the first two games in Danbury two weeks ago, completed an improbable run to the title by winning the final three games -- including Saturday's 9-2 thrashing in the fifth and final game -- to dethrone the reigning champions on their home ice.

Ahmed Mahfouz scored a hat trick, including two goals in a five-goal Dayton outburst in the second period that all but put the champagne on ice. Demonz goalie Jeff Rose finished with 37 saves.

"Especially in our own building, to get beat like that," Whalers coach Phil Esposito said, shaking his head. "They played really well, they were driven, they wanted it more than we did and they took it to us. That's what happens when you work hard. When you work hard like that and you have the drive to do it, you get the bounces. They got the bounces and they scored a couple goals early, and we couldn't bury pucks against Rosey. Rosey played really well over there again. They deserved to win tonight."

Dayton struck first, scoring two goals before seven minutes had elapsed and leaving the packed house at the Danbury Arena a bit shell-shocked. Dustin Skinner banged home a loose puck just 1:31 in off a scramble in front of Whalers goalie Mike Brown. Mahfouz then scored on the power play after Brown was called for roughing -- certainly an oddity for a goalie.

Andy Willock put the Whalers on the board at 15:11 of the first off passes from Ilya Solarev and Igor Karlov. The Whalers appeared to gain some momentum as the period wore on, but Dayton took control in the second period.

Danbury's Igor Karlov (22) and Scott Morongell (8) celebrate a goal past Dayton goalie Jeff Rose (35) in the Federal Hockey League Commissioner's Cup Championship game between the Danbury Whalers and the Dayton Demonz at the Danbury Ice Arena in Danbury, Conn. Saturday, April 19, 2014. less Danbury's Igor Karlov (22) and Scott Morongell (8) celebrate a goal past Dayton goalie Jeff Rose (35) in the Federal Hockey League Commissioner's Cup Championship game between the Danbury Whalers and the Dayton ... more Photo: Tyler Sizemore Buy photo Photo: Tyler Sizemore Image 1 of / 75 Caption Close Demonz dethrone Whalers 1 / 75 Back to Gallery

Mahfouz scored on the power play at 3:08 of the second -- with Ryan Patsch in the box for hooking -- to make it 3-1. Tim Richter got one back for Danbury on the power play a little more than a minute later -- with Dan Mercer in the box for boarding -- but it was all Dayton from there.

Roger Tagoona scored on the power play at 8:52 after Steve Brown was whistled for interference to make it 4-2. Jason Pietrasiak, August Aiken and Mahfouz followed to make it 7-2 after two periods. Mahfouz completed his hat trick with a short-handed goal with three seconds remaining in the period.

Brett Wall and Aiken added goals in the third period to seal it.

"The guys were unbelievable tonight, being able to put up nine goals," Rose said. "They were great from the start of the game to the end of the game. Everyone had everyone's back. It was just the perfect ending to the perfect season."

Brown made 18 saves for Danbury before giving way to Kevin Hoy late in the second period. Hoy made eight saves.

DAYTON 2 5 2--9

DANBURY 1 1 0 --2

First period: 1. Day, Dustin Skinner (August Aiken, Brian Marks) 1:31; 2.

Day, Ahmed Mahfouz (Marks, Casey Mignone) ppg, 6:30; 3. Dby, Andy Willock (Ilya Solarev, Igor Karlov) 15:11.

Second period: 4. Day, Mahfouz (Skinner, Aiken) ppg, 3:08; 5. Dby, Tim Richter (James Sanford, Steve Brown) ppg, 4:12; 6. Day, Roger Tagoona (Joe Pace, Wehebe Darge) ppg, 8:52; 7. Day, Jason Pietrasiak (Mahfouz, Mignone) 13:47; 8. Day, Aiken (Pietrasiak, Marks) 18:10; 9. Day, Mahfouz shg, 19:57

Third period: 10. Day, Brett Wall (Mignone, Mahfouz) 3:21; 11. Day, Aiken (Dan Mercer) 6:08.

Goalies: Day-Jeff Rose (37 saves); Dby-Mike Brown (18 saves), Kevin Hoy (8 saves).