UAE — The Cairo Nomads went toe-to-toe with the Cyber Bedouins (UAE) in the Division C championship, trailing by a razor all night before an empty-netter sealed a 3–1 final. It was a one-mistake game for 59 minutes, and Cairo simply didn’t cash enough of its looks.
The Nomads came in with a clear blueprint: short shifts, inside ice, and disciplined gaps to choke off the Bedouins’ rush game. For long stretches, it worked. Cairo’s D held the line, backpressure arrived on time, and the forecheck forced turnovers that should have turned into more than they did.
After trading chances through a measured first, the Bedouins nudged ahead 2–1 in the second. From there, Cairo spent most of the third playing the right kind of pressure hockey—pucks deep, bodies at the net, point shots through traffic. The tying goal felt inches away more than once, but rebounds skipped past sticks and tips missed by a blade. With the goalie pulled late, a Bedouins clearance found the middle and rolled into the empty net for the final margin.
Assistant Captain & Head Coach Jay Bergatt was named Player of the Game (Nomads) for a head-down, lead-by-example night—heavy minutes, clean exits under heat, and relentless work on the penalty kill. His bench management kept legs fresh and matchups favorable; the group just couldn’t find the last touch.
What Went Right
- Structure held under pressure: Gaps were tight, seams were denied, and Cairo forced outside looks for most of the night.
- Territory game in the third: The Nomads lived below the dots when it mattered, earning o-zone time and greasy chances.
- Discipline: Minimal penalties. No freebies given in a final where special teams decide everything.
What Cost the Game
- Finishing at even strength: Chances were there; sticks weren’t. Too many pucks died in the blue paint without a second whack.
- Net-front traffic on set shots: Clean looks from the point lacked layers. One more body taking the goalie’s eyes changes this script.
- Details after won draws: A couple of clean o-zone wins didn’t turn into immediate shot volume—shoot first, recover second in playoff hockey.
Bottom Line
This was a championship performance that came up one goal short. The 3–1 scoreline (with the empty-netter) flatters the Bedouins more than it hurts Cairo. The result still matters: silver medal at the Union Classic in the program’s first tournament is a legit foundation. The habits are real; the finish will come.
Player of the Game (Nomads): Assistant Captain & Head Coach Jay Bergatt.