NAHL Springfield Jr. Blues

Blues Face Jets in 1st of 3

November 11, 2011 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Springfield Jr. Blues News Release


Tonight the Springfield Jr. Blues continued a tradition that began two years ago as there was a pregame ceremony to honor all veterans and active duty military personnel. It is a tradition to recognize all who have made a sacrifice to keep our country free and safe. To sight an old saying, all gave some, but some gave all. The late Sgt. Andrew Tobin was especially honored for making the ultimate sacrifice when he gave his life in service to the cause of freedom. His wife, Katie was presented a plaque honoring her husband. The 24-year old Jacksonville native was killed August 24th when insurgents attacked his unit in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. Mrs. Tobin dropped the ceremonial first puck prior to the game after the presentation of the plaque. Also present were members of Corporal Chad Young's family. The 25 year old Young, from Rochester, Illinois was killed by a roadside bomb while also serving in Afghanistan.

Local military personnel presented the colors, a huge American flag that covered over half the ice surface of the rink in a tremendous demonstration of patriotism. Master Sergeant Deb Schmidt of the Illinois Air National Guard sang the National Anthem.

To round out the honor to the Veterans, the Jr. Blues wore special camouflage jerseys. The jerseys were to be auctioned after the game with the Jets.

Barb and I picked up a new player at the Abraham Lincoln Capitol Airport this afternoon and took him to our house. We're not sure where he will be billeted yet, but he becomes our second player this year from Moscow, Russia. I am always surprised at how well the players from foreign countries can speak and understand American English. I can't imagine going to play in another country and be fluent enough to converse and be understood in their native tongue. I have a hard enough time sometimes, being understood in the good ol' U.S.A. and I talk for a living. Whew! There are often challenges in people understanding what I say the way I mean it ‚¬Â¦Except, that is, when I say: "Let's Go Blues!" (I thought I would throw a ‚¬ËœLGB' in for good measure!)

Tonight the Springfield Jr. Blues take on the Janesville Jets. The Jets will be looking for revenge since the Blues handed them their first two losses of the season a couple of weeks ago in Janesville. Not only did we sweep, the good guys pounded the Jets with their worst lost since coming into the league with a 6 - 2 victory. I am sure they haven't forgotten that and would like very much to return the favor.

The Patriot Guard, the organization of Veterans that was formed after a group of religious dissidents began interrupting funerals of those killed in the service of freedom also took part in tonight's Veteran appreciation ceremonies. Sometimes it seems no one will step up to the plate when there is a need, but these folks have and they are very humble besides. My hat is off to this group!

The first period went by quickly, as they seem to have done recently. The Blues scored at 3:01 of the frame when Chris Sitler took a pass from Kyle Cook about fifteen feet in front of the net and sent one past Kautz, the Jet's Goalie to make the score 1 - 0. The Blues dominated the period and took that lead into the first Intermission. The Good Guys followed through on their checks and they were like a swarm of gnats with their fore checking and continued the harassment at both ends of the ice. The first period belonged to Tyler Parks, too, as he made some unbelievable saves between the pipes.

The second period was more evenly balanced. Chris Sitler scored his second goal at the 1:44 mark early in the stanza with help from Cookie and Pontasch. Unfortunately, Janesville scored twice in a three and a half minute span to tie the score. That's the way it stood for 1:05 when Joe Pontasch scored the go ahead goal with help from Sitler and Stew Bell. There have been some hard hits throughout the game, but no one has been hurt. Speaking of hits, what looked initially like a vicious hit by Stew Bell against Topeka last week, turned out much differently than what it looked like. In reviewing the tape of the game, Bell and the Roadrunner were flying for the puck when the Topeka player lost an edge and went down hard into the back boards. Stew avoided contact and he too, went hard into the boards. After review by the League, Stew's one game suspension was overturned, but like he said, he had already sat out one game.

Tonight's game is the first of a three game set with Janesville. The same two teams play again tomorrow night at 7:00 pm and again at 4:00pm Sunday afternoon.

The third twenty minutes was more of the same excitement as Stew Bell scored at 4:58, assisted by Dominic Valencia to make it a 4 - 2 score. The Good guys weren't finished yet as Joe Pontasch scored his second goal of the night to give the Blues a three goal lead. The scoring ended at the 17:05 mark when Janesville scored on a Power Play goal. The final horn sounded to make the final score 5 - 3.

After the game the Blues auctioned the camo Jerseys. It was a lot of fun and the fans were good sports. Stew Bell's Jersey went for $400, the highest price of the evening. It was a lot of laughs and everyone had a great time. A final note, Stew stopped his Mom from bidding over $200 and made her quit as the bidding just kept going up to the final amount. Thank you to all the fans and families that made this such a great time.

Again, as a reminder, the Jr. Blues take on the Jets again tomorrow night (Saturday) at 7:00pm. Come on out and enjoy the best, least expensive family entertainment in Springfield (there will not be another jersey auction!).

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North American Hockey League Stories from November 11, 2011


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