Cook a Star as West Wins RHI Contest

Tony Szabo scored six goals Monday night at the Pond of Anaheim, but a light-scoring, last-second replacement stole the show at the Roller Hockey International All-Star game.

Anaheim Bullfrog defenseman Joe Cook, who was supposed to be lounging at the Colorado River, recorded a hat trick, including the winning goal with 35 seconds remaining, to lead the West past the East, 14-12, before an announced 9,406. It was the second-smallest All-Star game crowd in the four-year history of the league.

Szabo, who plays for the Long Island Jawz, was named the game’s most valuable player for the second consecutive year after he brought the East back from a 12-9 deficit by scoring three goals in a three-minute span late in the fourth quarter. He scored his sixth goal with 46 seconds left.

But Cook, subbing for injured teammate Darren Perkins, answered 10 seconds later, knocking in Kim Maier’s rebound off the left post. Maier, who plays for the Oakland Skates, also had a hat trick and three assists. Cook had three assists.

Cook was slated to be on vacation this week, when he got the word late Sunday night that he would replace Perkins.

The game included 26 goals, 40 assists and 112 shots on goal.