NAHL Springfield Jr. Blues

A Sweet Sweep

Published on October 30, 2011 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Springfield Jr. Blues News Release


Back at the Ice Arena in Janesville for the second game of this two game series the staff must have turned the temperature down to "Freeze the Monkeys" because it is even colder in here tonight than it was last night. I traded the professional clothes for warmer clothes, but I don't think it will help. My hands are almost numb already. With two pair of socks on my toes still have feeling in them, but again, I don't expect it to last. It must be literally below freezing.

Food is very important to me. I absolutely love a good meal. If you are in Janesville I recommend the "Italian House" restaurant on Palmer. They are a sponsor of the Jets and feed all the hockey teams that come to town to take on the airplanes. The food is so good it is just unbelievable. I promise you will enjoy it if you get the chance. You will also see some neat memorabilia. Did I mention the food is super good'''

Tyler Parks gets his second straight start tonight goal. He had emerged as the number one goalie for the Blues with his outstanding performances against Janesville especially. We need consistency between the pipes, and so far he has come through for the Blues.

The Jr. Blues came out with a vengeance tonight and just nineteen seconds into the game found themselves with the lead on a Paul Byrne goal from the point. He had help from Dominic Valencia and Stew Bell. The guys extended their lead on a Power Play Goal at 13:25 as Josef Pontasch redirected a pass from Ben Kramer for a 2 - 0 lead.

The Jets answered with a Power Play goal of their own at the 17:50 mark of the first by Bancroft who was assisted by Cecere and Landowski. The teams went to the first intermission with the Springfield Jr. Blues leading 2 - 1. Tonight's game has been hard hitting, take no prisoners by both teams. The "horse race" style of play continued from last night's game, and the hits are intense at times. Both teams had two penalties, and each had goals on the power plays. They are evenly matched and both teams are leaving it all on the ice. Period two is on the way. Let's go Blues!

Period two was ramped up as each team scored a goal and it's still a one goal game at the second intermission. The Blues start the third period and will play at a two man disadvantage for 42 seconds. Paul Byrne was called for hooking at the 20:00 minute mark. Mike Williams was already in the penalty box for a cross check.

For the second time in two nights the Blues started period three in a two man disadvantage. And once again the defense was superb! The Jets never were able to get a shot on goal during their power play advantage. Garrett Williams took the puck into the offensive zone once both teams were at full strength and scored at 6:26 of the period to make the score 4 - 2. It was his first goal since returning to the team. He was assisted on the play by Paul Byrne and Ben "Scooter" Kramer. From there on the Good Guys never looked back. At 13:02 Mike Williams scored on a pass from Gavin Tufte, then Big Mike scored again at 15;56 with help from Tufte and Mike Parnell to make it 6 - 2. The Jets were grounded for the rest of the game. Final score 6 - 2, the second win and a sweep of the previously undefeated Jets. It was also the third win in a row for the Blue and Gold.

Tyler Rehm dropped the gloves with the Jets Doran in the second and it was pretty much a draw as both players were given 5 minutes in the penalty box for fighting. Seven minutes later Stew Bell dropped the gloves against Bancroft of the Jets and it was a close fight until Stew took Bancroft to the ice. Even though Stew was the obvious winner in this one, he didn't come out unscathed. I haven't seen so many pretty colors in a shiner in a long time.

All in all, it was a great weekend for the team and their fans as the Blues handed Janesville back to back losses, the first two losses of the season for the Jets, and gained a couple of points on Coulee Region in the standings.

Topeka comes to town next weekend for games on Friday and Saturday nights. Call your friends and have them call their friends, come on out to the Nellie and let's put a big crowd in the stands to cheer these guys on. It would be great to add to that winning streak, especially against the Roadrunners.

The Springfield Jr. Blues are 7-9-0 and playing better hockey every game. It's also inexpensive family entertainment the whole family will enjoy. So, in closing, Let's Go Blues!

Check out the Springfield Jr. Blues Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



North American Hockey League Stories from October 30, 2011


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central