Stanzin Angchok’s hat-trick and two goals from winger captain Mushtaq Ahmed Giri helped Kang Sings beat Changthang Shans 5-2 and retain the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League Season 2 men’s title at Nawang Stadium Dorjay Stobdan (NDS) here.
“It’s not just about the victory but the journey we took together; the hard work and unwavering support of our community. This victory is for all Ladakhis who believe in the power of ice hockey to unite and inspire,” Mushtaq said after the match.
Mondays have always been associated with the banality of going to work after a weekend.
In Leh, it was quite the opposite on January 13. Traveling fans involved in a brawl with the home team off the ice, violent body checks and an on-ice brawl – this Monday was anything but ordinary.
With the majestic Himalayas in the background, the cinema took place at the ice rink.
The chants of supporters from both sides echoed throughout the hall, making it difficult to identify home and away supporters. But in a few minutes, the difference occurred: a goal for the visiting team.
India international and Shans captain Chamba Tsetan carried the puck into the offensive zone, setting up Stanzin Thinles, who headed it into the net in the 12th minute.
Only one section was dancing and rejoicing now. However, the joy was short-lived as Angchok hovered around the goal area and then fired a shot into the net to make it square.
Mushtaq had guided Maryul Spamo to the women’s title with a comeback victory just a day ago. Early in the second period, he pulled a similar rabbit out of his hat, this time as a player on the ice.
Three minutes into the period, he received a through ball from Angchok and sent it into the net to give his team the lead.
Shans’ disoriented defense looked slippery in scoring the Sings and was caught twice in two-on-one situations, ultimately surviving both. But a penalty conceded a few minutes before the end of the period saw Angchok accumulate misery, making the score 3-1 on the power play.
Kang Sings players celebrate after scoring a goal against Changthang Shans in the final of the 2nd edition of the Royal Enfield Super League. | Photo credit: SHASHI SHEKHAR KASHYAP/The Hindu
Kang Sings players celebrate after scoring a goal against Changthang Shans in the final of the 2nd edition of the Royal Enfield Super League. | Photo credit: SHASHI SHEKHAR KASHYAP/The Hindu
In the final period, the Sings showed no signs of mercy, attacking with four men up front and Mushtaq fired a shot from the right faceoff circle to score his second of the day.
Tensions were high after the goal, with two players fighting near the net shortly after the goal. This was followed by a fight between fans, which was controlled by lathi-charge police.
The chaos unnerved the Sings defense and within a minute the Shans had scored a goal – Tsetan attacking against the run of play and finishing softly past the opposition keeper.
But offense was never Shans’ problem, it was defense. And in-form Angchok completed his hat-trick within seconds to claim the dominant victory.
