Blizzard Blank Fargo in Exhibition Opener
September 13, 2007 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Alexandria Blizzard News Release
FARGO, ND - When Brandon Nutt arrived from Texas last week, he wasn't even sure if he would be in the lineup for the Alexandria Blizzard. An impressive two-goal performance in the team's exhibition opener may have altered that perception slightly.
Nutt scored the first and fifth goals Friday in Fargo as the Blizzard blanked the rookie-laden Jets 6-0 in North American Hockey League action. "Yeah, I was definitely nervous before the game," said the 19-year-old from Plano, TX. "I wasn't really sure how skilled the competition would be. Once Kyle (Clement) and I got out there and killed the penalty on our first shift I felt pretty good."
The combination of Nutt, his fellow Texan Clement and rookie Noah Nemgar of Bemidji was stellar from the start. Nemgar, rookie Jens Nilsson, Jake Stadstad and veteran Jerry Freismuth also scored for Alexandria. Ryan Leets and Matt Beggs stopped 27 shots for the shutout.
Nutt's first goal at 7:47 of the opening period was right out of the hockey textbook. "I was actually trying to shoot low glove side so Kyle could get the rebound but it came off the stick kind of high," Nutt explained. "It went off the goalie's glove and into the top corner. Kyle was in the right place, though. He goes to the net harder than anyone I know."
Fargo's inexperience showed as the Blizzard dominated throughout.
"I thought we played well," said Blizzard Coach Brad Willner. "I was definitely excited to see the new players step up to the pace of the game. I think we have more speed than we've had in the past. I thought the line of Nemgar, Nutt and Clement played very well together. They created a lot of chances because they finished their checks. I think they were all excited to play Junior A hockey for the first time."
The only downside was the steady parade of Blizzard players to the penalty box as Alexandria gave up 11 powerplays. The two teams meet again Friday at 7:30 pm at the Runestone Center.
"I'm sure the level of competition is going to go way up," Nutt said. "They have like 34 guys in camp so that means there are 15 more who didn't play. It was pretty much all rookies out there."
• Discuss this story on the North American Hockey League message board...
North American Hockey League Stories from September 13, 2007
- Don't miss a second of Bobcat Hockey - Bismarck Bobcats
- Exhibition Friday for the Jets - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
- Blizzard Blank Fargo in Exhibition Opener - Alexandria Blizzard
- IceDiggers hosting meet the team dinner - Alpena IceDiggers
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.
