Arena Series opens with fireworks, Leprechauns take Game 1

Balanced scoring and timely saves lift Studabakers Beachside to a 12–8 win over the Famous Archies and an early series lead

Connor Flannery winding up and letting it fly as the Arena Series intensity ramps up.

The Studabakers Beachside Leprechauns made an early statement in the SportsKlub Arena Series on Saturday night, using a relentless offensive push and timely goaltending to secure a 12–8 victory over the Famous Archie’s Ice Llamas in Game 1 of the best-of-seven showdown at Rotary Place.

With the win, the Leprechauns take a 1–0 lead in the series and set the tone for what promises to be a fast, high-scoring battle between two evenly matched rosters.

The opening game lived up to its billing from the opening shift, with both teams trading chances and pushing the pace in true Arena Series style. The Leprechauns found their offensive rhythm early, led by a balanced attack that saw contributions throughout the lineup.

Nolan Inglis paced the Leprechauns with a standout performance, finishing the night with four points on three goals and one assist. Joe Nieleszeruk, filling in for the green men due to a short bench, matched that output with three goals and one assist, while Mark Griffiths also recorded four points for the Ice Llamas, scoring twice and adding two assists in a strong effort despite the loss.

Captain Steve Hamilton chipped in offensively for the Leprechauns with a pair of goals and an assist, while Derek Mackenzie quietly impacted the game with two assists and steady play through the middle. Shawn McManus added two goals of his own, capitalizing on sustained pressure in the offensive zone as the Leprechauns continued to stretch the Ice Llamas’ defence.

For the Ice Llamas, Owen Woolhouse scored twice, while Josh McCreith and Tamara Evans each recorded two-point nights. Braydon Mawdsley and Dave McLeod added single points as the Ice Llamas worked to keep pace in a back-and-forth contest.

Between the pipes, Bill Griffin delivered a crucial performance for the Leprechauns, stopping 26 of 33 shots to earn the Game 1 win and stabilize play during key momentum swings. On the other end, Colton Clay faced heavy pressure throughout the night, turning aside 43 shots on 54 attempts as the Ice Llamas battled through extended defensive shifts.

Despite trailing for much of the game, the Ice Llamas showed flashes of the offensive firepower that made them a dangerous matchup heading into the series. Their ability to respond and generate chances late kept the contest competitive and underscored that the series is far from settled.

Game 1 ultimately belonged to the Leprechauns, who combined depth scoring, strong puck movement, and timely saves to pull away in the final stages and send an early message.

With the tone set and the pace established, the SportsKlub Arena Series is officially underway, and if the opener is any indication, fans can expect more fireworks as the Ice Llamas look to even the series and the Leprechauns aim to build on their early momentum.

Game two goes Saturday, Feb. 14 at Rotary Place in Orillia. Puck drop is scheduled for 8:45 p.m.