Xtreme win championship with 3-0 win

The Adelaide Xtreme won the inaugural NHSL Championship on Friday night thanks to a 3-0 Game 4 win.

Jeremy Friederich recorded the first shutout in NHSL history at the most crucial time. Nathaniel Benson scored two goals while Jared Siemens chipped in the other. 

The Xtreme scored one goal per period in the lowest scoring game to date.

Both teams were without arguably their most important players. Xtreme Captain Joey MacDougall and Brewers defenseman / NHSL MVP Zach Boyle were both out due to COVID-19 protocols.

The Xtreme were also missing their #2 centre Noah Maley while the Brewers were hampered by the losses of forwards Jeff Pellerin, Reggie Matchoss, Reece Boundy and Jayden Ryan.

The Xtreme struck first in a cagey opening period. The Brewers whiffed at a couple clearance attempts and the puck ended up on the stick of the dangerous Nathaniel Benson who beat Matus Trnka to make it 1-0.

Jeremy Friederich made 10 of his 29 saves in the first while 17-year-old Matus Trnka was overloaded with 18 shots on net for the Brewers. The young Slovakian goalie was once again spectacular.

He had to be even better in the second. The Xtreme dominated puck possession, controlled opportunities and looked to take command of the game. If it weren't for Trnka they probably would have.

The Xtreme outshot the Brewers 14-6 in the middle frame and Jared Siemens lone goal provided them a 2-0 lead heading into the break.

The Brewers tried to push back early in the third but were unable to capitalise. Another turnover gave dynamic duo Xander Wardlaw and Nathaniel Benson a 2-on-1. Benson finished and scored a back-breaking goal.

Jeremy Friederich had his busiest period and stopped all 13 shots he faced. 

And the Adelaide Xtreme skated to their first championship.

Friederich was named the MVP of the Finals Series. He had an outstanding .937 save percentage, the league's first shoutout and backstopped the team in crucial games - including making 40 saves in Games 1 and 2.