Ice Hockey League: Mushtaq Powers Kang Sings to Historic 9-0 Victory, Advances to Semifinals

Leh, Jan 9 (NationPress) Reigning champions Kang Sings have successfully moved on to the semifinals of Season 2 of the Ice Hockey League following a remarkable 9-0 victory against United Nubra at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan (NDS) Stadium on Thursday. Additionally, the women's defending champions, Maryul Spamo, also reached the semifinals after defeating Sham Eagles in their final group stage match.

Captain Mushtaq Ahmed led the charge with a stunning 4-goal performance, marking the largest victory margin of the season to date. In the women's category, Maryul Spamo secured their semifinal position with a 2-0 win over Sham Eagles. They will join Changla Lamos, Humas Queens, and Sham Eagles in the semifinals.

The final teams for the men’s category semifinals will be decided on the last day of group stages. An exciting 2-2 draw was witnessed between Changla Blasters and Shakar Chiktan Royals, while Purig Warriors claimed a 2-0 victory over Maryul Spawo to maintain their contention.

Organized in collaboration with the UT Administration of Ladakh and the Ice Hockey Association of Ladakh, the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League Season 2 is taking place at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan (NDS) Stadium in Leh.

Changla Blasters had a thrilling match on Day 6 of the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League Season 2, ending in a 2-2 draw against Shakar Chiktan Royals. Both teams displayed impressive defense in the first period, which concluded without any goals. However, the second period saw Stanzin Namgail of the Blasters score a brilliant wrist shot early on, taking the lead to 1-0. The Royals responded quickly, with Ali Akbar finding the equalizer just six minutes later.

In the 29th minute, Asgar Ali, with an assist from Iftiqar Hussain, propelled the Royals to a 2-1 lead by the close of the second period. Despite their efforts to secure a win, Tundup Gyalson of the Blasters netted a critical equalizer in the final period, ending the match at 2-2.

Purig Warriors from Kargil continued their strong performance in the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League Season 2, defeating the Leh-based Maryul Spawo 2-0 in a tightly contested match. Both teams played cautiously in the first period, resulting in no scoring opportunities.

Excitement built in the 7th minute when a goal by Nadeem Sarwar was disallowed due to high-stick violations. The first period concluded scoreless.

The breakthrough came in the 34th minute of the second period when Kunchuk Tharpa scored a brilliant snap shot, giving the Warriors a 1-0 lead. In the final period, the Warriors focused on their defense while seeking to extend their lead. Sarfaraz Hussain struck decisively with only 25 seconds left, scoring a stunning running wrist shot to clinch a 2-0 victory and solidify their second-place position in Group B.

Maryul Spamo maintained their dominance in the final group stage match of the women's category, achieving a 2-0 victory over Sham Eagles. The match commenced with skipper Padma Chorol scoring in the second minute, quickly followed by Rinchen Dolma doubling their lead just three minutes later, ending the first period with a comfortable 2-0 advantage.

As the final period commenced, Spamo focused on maintaining their lead. Their defensive strategy effectively thwarted Sham Eagles' attempts, concluding the match at 2-0. With this victory, Maryul Spamo topped the group stage and will compete against Humas Queens in the upcoming semifinal, while Sham Eagles will face Tsewang Chuskit’s Changla Lamos in the second semifinal on Saturday.

In a spectacular display, the final match of Day 6 in the men’s category saw the defending champions Kang Sings achieve a remarkable 9-0 victory over United Nubra, marking the largest win margin of the season and securing their spot in the semifinals.

The unbeaten Kang Sings surged ahead in the 9th minute, initiated by Deldan Namgyal’s sharp snapshot. The first period closed with the Sings leading 1-0. The second period showcased the defending champions’ prowess, featuring Stanzin Largail’s goal in the 25th minute, followed by Mushtaq Ahmed’s quick strike just two minutes later, extending their lead to 3-0.

Mushtaq further solidified their dominance by adding another goal before the period ended, bringing the score to 4-0. The final period was a testament to Mushtaq Ahmed’s skill, completing his hat-trick with goals in the 45th and 49th minutes.

The Sings continued to dominate with additional goals from Stanzin Lotos, Stanzin Phuntsog, and Deldan Namgyal, ultimately sealing the season's biggest victory at 9-0. With this emphatic win, Kang Sings advanced confidently to the semifinals, reinforcing their status as the team to beat this season.

As the men’s group stage approaches its final day on Friday, the competition will intensify as teams vie for semifinal berths. Changthang Shan will face Sham Wolves, both with opportunities to advance, while Changla Warriors will take on Humas Warriors in a potential knockout match.

In the women’s division, defending champions Maryul Spamo will challenge Humas Queens in a thrilling semifinal. The last group game will feature Maryul Spawo and Zangskar Chadar Tamers competing in a 'dead rubber' match, both aiming to conclude their campaigns on a high note.

The finals for the women’s category are set for January 12, followed by the men’s championship final and the closing ceremony on January 13.