The Colorado Eagles defeated the Laredo Bucks 4-3 May 22 to capture the President’s Cup. Forward Greg Pankewicz scored a pair of goals, including the game winner late in the third period, as Colorado captured its second Central Hockey League championship in three seasons.
The Eagles took the early lead when Pankewicz hammered home a slap shot 6:21 into the first period. It was his playoff-leading 16th tally. The defending champion Bucks, held without a shot for the first 14:30, pulled even when defenseman Steve Weidlich ripped a one-timer that was redirected into the net by forward Leo Thomas at the 14:58 mark. It was his eighth goal of the playoffs.
Forward Bobby Chaumon gave the Bucks a 2-1 lead with a power play goal 6:45 into the second period. Colorado drew even on a power play goal of its own, by forward Ed McGrane, three minutes later.
The Bucks regained the upperhand on the scoreboard with just over two minutes left in the second stanza.  Forward Jeff Bes took a backdoor pass from defenseman Adam Rivet and lifted home a wrist shot. The power play marker tied him for the playoff lead with 16 total goals.
Colorado tied the game early in the third period as McGrane registered his second goal of the night. But with 5:47 left, Ryan Tobler centered to Pankewicz, who chipped it home for the game winner.