Eagles win President's Cup

Paulo Colaiacovo shutout the Bucks with 36 saves and clinched his third series for the Eagles who won the championship in just their second season. Karlis Zirnis scored the only goal of the game with 3:35 remaining in the second period to capture the Cup for Northern Colorado. Eagles Center Chris Hartsburg was awarded the 2005 CHL Playoff MVP for his outstanding play throughout the playoffs. The championship was a first for most of the Eagles' players, including 14-year veteran, 2004-05 CHL MVP and captain of the Eagles, Greg Pankewicz.The Eagles and Bucks embarked in a tight checking scoreless first period. Both teams had their chances, but it was Laredo that had more quality scoring chances. Paulo Colaiacovo steered aside all 15 shots, as he did on every shot of the game. Halfway through the period Matt Desrosiers and James Hiebert took matching four-minute penalties, but neither team was able generate many chances with the open ice. Colorado only managed 3 shots in the period, but escaped with the scoreless tie.The action in the second period was back and forth, both teams were working hard to score the important first goal. It was Eagles forward Karlis Zirnis who broke the scoreless tie on a goal with 3:35 remaining in the second period. It proved to be the championship-winning goal for Zirnis who hadn't lit the lamp for 11 games, but was the most important goal of his young career. Laredo again out shot the Eagles in the second period 12-10, but the best defense in the CHL stood tall as they did all season long.The Bucks gave everything they had in the third period. Adam Paiement took his third four-minute penalty of the game on a high sticking call 4:54 into the period to give the Eagles a golden opportunity to cap the game. Colorado was unable score, but the running clock was enough advantage. Laredo pulled their goaltender with over one minute to play after a timeout, but was never able to set up in the Eagles zone. The horn sounded and the Eagles, led by head coach Chris Stewart were crowned 2005 Ray Miron President's Cup Champions.Colorado's playoff run began with a 4-1 series victory over the Tulsa Oilers before meeting Wichita in the Northern Conference Finals. The Eagles won that series in six games, and capped things off Wednesday night with a 4-1 series victory over the Bucks. It was the second season in-a-row that the champions were crowned on Laredo's ice.