With road victories Saturday evening, the Memphis RiverKings and the Austin Ice Bats have advanced to the 2002-2003 Ray Miron President’s Cup Finals, and will meet in a rematch of last season’s championship final, won 4 games to 1 by Memphis.

Playoff Bracket

The RiverKings won their sixth consecutive playoff game and concluded a four game sweep of the Northern Conference Finals with a 6-3 victory over the Ice in Indianapolis. Austin, meanwhile took Game 6 in Laredo by a score of 3-2, winning the Southern Conference Finals 4 games to 2. The 2002-2003 Ray Miron President’s Cup Finals schedule will be announced Monday, April 14th.

Game 4: Memphis 6 @ Indianapolis 3 Final
Memphis Wins Northern Finals 4 Games to 0

Game 6: Austin 3 @ Laredo 2 Final
Austin Wins Southern Finals 4 Games to 2

In Indianapolis, the Ice got an early goal by Jared Dumba to open the scoring in game 4, but four straight Memphis goals essentially put the game out of reach. The Memphis special teams were again highly effective, scoring twice on five power play opportunities and once while shorthanded, and holding the Ice scoreless in seven man advantage attempts of their own. Kahlil Thomas paced the RiverKings with two goals and two assists, while Anthony Dipalma, Don Parsons, Jonathan Gagnon and Luch Nasato all had two-point nights, In goal, Mark Richards made 30 saves on 33 shots, while Jamie Morris allowed 5 goals on 39 shots. Kevin St. Jacques, Jason Baird and Dumba were the Indianapolis goal scorers.

In Laredo, the Ice Bats and Bucks battled in Game 6, with Austin eventually pulling out a narrow 3-2 win. The entire series was close, with three games requiring overtime, but Austin made a 3-2 second period lead hold up through the remainder of the game. Dan Price potted the game winning goal on a breakaway at the 10:11 mark of the second, making a nifty forehand to backhand move that beat Laredo’s Lance Leslie, who made 17 saves in a losing effort. Austin goaltender Matt Barnes was again the difference in the contest, turning aside 35 of 37 Laredo shots. Also scoring for the Ice Bats were Gerald Tallaire and Pat Brownlee, both on the power play, while Eric Schneider and Jonah Leroux replied for Laredo, who complete an outstanding inaugural season of play. Austin scored twice on five power play chances, while Laredo could not convert on their five opportunities.