Leh, Feb 10 (NationPress) The Purig Warriors and Changthang Shans have successfully clinched their semi-final spots on Day 13 of the Ice Hockey League Season 3 at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan (NDS) Stadium in Leh. This thrilling day also showcased clean-sheet victories for Kangs Sing and Purig Warriors, a last-gasp triumph for Kharu Falcons, and a decisive win for Changthang Shans in their final league-stage match.

The excitement began with Kharu Falcons edging out Zanskar Chadar Tamers 6-5, with the standout performance from Jigmat Choster, who scored five goals. Padma Tundup initially put the Tamers ahead with a late tap-in in the first period, and Rinchen Wangyal extended their lead in the second. Choster's slapshot brought the Falcons back into contention.

As the match unfolded, Rigzin Punchok equalized early in the third, only for Choster to regain the lead for Kharu. Tsewang Chosfail brought the Tamers back to level terms, setting the stage for a thrilling finish. As the clock wound down, Choster netted his fifth goal in the last minute, sealing a dramatic victory.

Kangs Sing achieved a dominant 6-0 clean-sheet win against United Nubra. Gonbo Tashi ignited the scoring within the first minute, followed by further contributions from Stanzin Phuntsog and Gurmet Namgail. Mushtaque Ahmad Giri added another goal before the second period concluded, and Kangs maintained control, wrapping up the match with a strong finish.

The next contest saw Purig Warriors triumph 2-0 over Sham Wolves, breaking the deadlock in the second period with a goal from Anwar Hussain. Despite the Wolves' efforts for an equalizer, Villayat Ali secured the win late in the third with a wrist flick, confirming Purig's place in the semi-finals alongside Kangs Sing and Humas Warriors.

Changthang Shans solidified their semi-final eligibility with an emphatic 8-2 victory over Maryul Spawo. The match opened with a tap-in from Tsewang Gyaltson, followed by contributions from Captain Urgain Samstan and Chamba Tsetan, who extended the lead. Stanzin Jigmet and Captain Tsewang Nurboo contributed crucial goals for Maryul.

The third period saw Shans quickly score again, with Tsetan netting a tap-in just seconds in. Rigzen Namgyal and Rigzen Chosphel also found the back of the net, while Asif Ali scored for Spawo. Tashi Sangdup capped off the scoring for Shans with another tap-in.

Humas Warriors concluded the day with a resounding 7-1 victory over Shakar Chiktan Royals, who initially led thanks to a tap-in from Sobir Hussain. However, the Humas rallied back, with Moheb Ur Rehman Mir leveling the score and Waseem Bilal putting them ahead. Humas continued to dominate, scoring multiple goals to secure the win.

The standings saw Humas Warriors and Kangs Sing maintain their first and second positions, respectively, while Purig Warriors and Changthang Shans secured third and fourth. Shakar Chiktan Royals remained in fifth place, followed by Sham Wolves and Zanskar Chadar Tamers.

Only Kharu Falcons made a notable move, climbing from ninth to eighth, while Changla Blasters dropped from tenth to ninth. United Nubra fell to tenth, and Maryul Spawo held onto eleventh.

The final day of league play on February 11 will feature Shakar Chiktan Royals vs. Changla Blasters, a crucial match for the men's semi-final lineup. This will be followed by Maryul Spawo facing Kharu Falcons, and the first women's game of the day between Humas Queens and Changla Lamos, which will determine the fourth women's semi-finalist. Zanskar Chadar Tamers will then take on Sham Wolves, concluding with Shakar Chiktan Queens facing Kharu Eagles in the last match. With Sham Eagles already through to the women's finals, the remaining games will finalize the rest of the lineup.