
Blizzard update
Published on November 12, 2004 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Alexandria Blizzard News Release
PAULSON'S STERLING PLAY EARNS SHARE OF SHER-WOOD NAHL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
He only played in one game last week, by Blizzard goaltender Marcus Paulson faced enough shots for two games. Between the pipes for the November 5 game against the then-first place Fargo Moorhead Jets, Paulson stopped 54 of 56 shots, many of them in breathtaking fashion, as Minnesota downed the Jets 3-2. After surrendering a goal just 14 seconds into the game, Paulson was nearly unbeatable. He stopped 17 in the first period, 18 in the second and 20 of 21 in the third, in one of the best goaltending performances in the NAHL this season.
BLIZZARD SPLIT A PAIR OF GAMES, STAY CLOSE TO DIVISION LEAD
The Minnesota Blizzard posted its tenth win of the season Friday night, November 5. But Minnesota had its nine game undefeated string end, with a loss in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the following night.
Friday's game matched the two teams with the highest point total in the NAHL West Division entering the weekend, the Blizzard and the Fargo-Moorhead Jets. The Jets scored just 14 seconds into the contest. But Goalie Marcus Paulson (Eden Prairie, Minnesota) was rock solid between the pipes the rest of the night, stopping 54 shots. Minnesota came back for a 3-2 win, despite being out-shot in the contest, 56-24.
After the initial tally by the Jets, the Blizzard responded with power-play goals by Shawn Bitzan (Alexandria, Minnesota) and Aaron Castle (Roseau, Minnesota), sandwiched around a score by Dan Swanson (Menomonie, Wisconsin). Jake Nelson (Superior, Wisconsin) assisted on two of the Blizzard goals. The result of Friday's game left both teams with identical 10-3-1 records.
Saturday, the Blizzard ventured to the Fergus Falls Fairgrounds Arena, to face Bismarck. The game was not an artistic affair, as both teams scored early and often. The Blizzard attack was short-circuited in the second half of the game, as Bismarck posted a 5-3 win.
The result spoiled a homecoming of sorts for Minnesota goalie Clay Nestor (Glenwood, Minnesota), who had a stellar High School career, while attending Fergus Falls High School. Nestor was in the nets for Saturday's Blizzard game, and recorded 38 saves. The Bobcats Jacques Lamoreaux scored twice, and assisted on two other goals, for a four-point night. Joey Eichstadt (Bemidji, Minnesota) and Sam Windsor (Plymouth, Minnesota) tallied goals in the first period for Minnesota. Rylan Galiardi (Calgary, Alberta) also scored for the Blizzard, before suffering a concussion in the third period.
Bismarck's win vaulted the Bobcats back to .500 on the season, at 6-6-3.
Ahead, for the Blizzard: Back-to-back home games, at the Runestone Community Center in Alexandria. The Blizzard will host Fargo-Moorhead Friday night, November 12, at 7:00 p.m. It has been designated "Wally Night" by the Blizzard. Anyone who is named Wally will be admitted, free of charge. Friday marks the return of Minnesota sports icon, "Wally the Beer Man" to Alexandria. Wally is famous for selling beer and other beverages at many sports events, including Minnesota Twins, Vikings, Gophers, and St. Paul Saints games. He will meet and greet fans in attendance, and offer his very own trading card.
Then on Saturday, the Blizzard will host division-leading Billings. Game time both nights is 7:00 p.m. Tickets are available at the door for both games.
For further information, contact the Blizzard at (320) 763-1413.
North American Hockey League Stories from November 12, 2004
- Veterans prove to be driving force in Roadrunners' early success - Topeka Pilots
- IceDiggers acquire forward Zimmerman from OHL - Alpena IceDiggers
- Bulls jump into first - Billings Bulls
- Solid goaltending gives Spirit four-point weekend - Alaska Avalanche
- Bandits begin home webcasts - St. Louis Bandits
- 'Horns boost blueline with Rodger, Ebbole - Helena Bighorns
- Lamoreaux's four points league Bobcats to win over Blizzard - Bismarck Bobcats
- Dallas Stars coach Tippett assists Tornado during practice - Texas Tornado
- Blizzard update - Alexandria Blizzard
- Wildcats 1-1-1 on road trip - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Jets fall from first place - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
- Phantoms win overtime shootout, sweep weekend vs. Toledo - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
- NAHLers poised for first college commitments this week - NAHL
- Icedogs vs. Bighorns tonight - Bozeman Icedogs
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