A Shootout Loss
November 12, 2011 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Springfield Jr. Blues News Release
The Jr. Blues came out last night and controlled the game throughout periods one and three, and if you could call it that, played to an even match during period two. The Blues hold the edge in this season's series by a count of three wins to go along with two defeats in five meetings with the Jets. The Blues played very well last night, and we hope to see more of the same tonight.
The Capital Freeze tournament (Midgets and Pee Wee's) has been going on all day today so the rink has been extra busy. The crew is dressing the ice and we can expect more great hockey excitement in just over an hour as I write this.
There have been some great High School playoff football games today as well. Sports have been the mainstay in the Capitol City today. Unless there was a miracle comeback by the Glenwood Titans, Sacred Heart Griffin will advance from the last scoring update on that game that I received. The Rochester Rockets are winning their game at last report so our local teams are doing well. We wish them all well as they seek out that elusive state championship, whatever class they represent.
Meanwhile, back at the rink, volunteers are working like ants to prepare the rink for tonight's game. Music is playing over the sound system, and bundles of Jr. Blues souvenier clothing, and Chuck-a-pucks are being loaded at the stand for sale to fans.
The game got off to a fast start again tonight as both teams were turning on the after burners, or so it seemed as they were up and down the ice. Ethan Nauman was first to tickle the twine when he fired a goal past Jet's Goalie, Kujava at the 2:41 tick of the first. He was assisted by Gavin Tufte and Ben Kramer. Nearly five minutes went by before Childs tied the score for Janesville with an assist be Dekorte.
Kyle Cook put the Blues back into the lead with his goal at 18:17 of the first. Josef Pontasch and Chris Sitler assisted the "Cookie Monster".
Three more goals came in the second period when the Jet's McBride scored unassisted, and Cecere scored for the first Jet's lead of the weekend. That lead lasted for just over a minute, when Cookie scored another unassisted goal to tie the game right before the horn ended the second period.
Janesville outhustled the Blues for a large part of the third period. They took the lead, 4 - 3 at 5:09 on goal by Lemirande, assisted by Frank. It didn't look good for the Blues until Kevin Walters scored from the point to tie the score. He was assisted on the play by Tufte and Nauman. That's the way the game ended, all tied at 4 - 4. Neither team could score in overtime and player after player was turned away by each Goalie in the Shootout. Janesville finally scored to win it, but the Blues still salvaged a point and trail Coulee Region by a point for third place in the Division.
Tomorrow is the rubber match in this three game series, and I expect we'll see Kujava in goal again for the Jets. Come on out the Nelson Center if you can. If not, tune in to FASTHockey. We'll see you then!
North American Hockey League Stories from November 12, 2011
- Bobcats Outlast Wings in See-Saw Battle - Bismarck Bobcats
- Bruins Fall at Aberdeen - Austin Bruins
- A Shootout Loss - Springfield Jr. Blues
- Jacks Rally Back, Earn Weekend Sweep 5-3 - Odessa Jackalopes
- Lovick nets a pair as Texas beats Fresno 4-2 - Texas Tornado
- Warriors End Winless Skid with 5-1 Victory - Michigan Warriors
- Bulls Fend off 'Runners in 5-3 Win - Topeka Pilots
- Texas comes from behind in shootout victory - Texas Tornado
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